While speaking with the media on Tuesday to promote WrestleDream 2023 this Sunday, AEW President Tony Khan answered some interesting questions, including the possibility of AEW programming moving to Fox now that WWE is returning to the USA Network with SmackDown after the show had been airing on the network since 2019.
AEW’s TV deal with Warner Bros. Discovery is up next year, and they’ve yet to announce a new deal.
Brandon Thurston of WrestleNomics asked whether Fox could be a player for AEW. Khan thinks there’s not enough loyalty in the entertainment business, and while AEW’s rights are up next year, he would love AEW to stay at WBD “forever.” He expects many potential bidders for AEW programming but wouldn’t want to speculate out of respect for WBD, as he loves being partners with the company.
Khan added he would “take a penny or two less” than someone else in favor of staying with WBD.
Tony Khan's response to my question about whether Fox could be a bidder for AEW rights now that Smackdown isn't being renewed there:
He said there isn't enough loyalty in the entertainment business. AEW's rights are up at the end of 2024. He would love AEW to stay at WBD…
— Brandon Thurston (@BrandonThurston) September 26, 2023
Here are some of the other highlights from the call:
Jade Cargill joining WWE was brought up. He says it was great having her in AEW, and she is always welcome in AEW as she had a great run with them and has a bright future.
Regarding PPVs expanding to 12 next year, Khan clarified that he never said they would move to one per month, but if they were to add a show like WrestleDream, now would be the time, as he believes their last three PPVs have been the best consecutive run they’ve ever had.
Khan is open to putting AEW events on a streaming service and sees it as part of a new media rights package. He later confirmed that they will continue to add more events, but not necessarily every month, and MAX would be the ideal platform.
Regarding Wardlow’s hiatus, Khan said Wardlow would return when the time is right.
The injury to Adam Cole was brought up, and he confirmed that the match at WrestleDream is still scheduled. He will provide an update on Cole’s status on Dynamite. Cole and MJF are set to defend the ROH Tag Team Titles at WrestleDream.
Regarding the rumors of purchasing NJPW, Khan denied those rumors and noted he wants to continue working with NJPW.
Khan pointed out recent staff layoffs and talent cuts, without explicitly mentioning WWE. He noted that doing this was not in line with his upbringing and the principles he was taught to follow.
