Tag: Tony Khan

Tony Khan appears in new trailer for Dark Side of the Ring season 7

Posted on by Ian Carey

Tony Khan, Jeff Jarrett, Scott Steiner, Matt Hardy, and others are featured in a new trailer for Dark Side of the Ring.

The seventh season of the Vice TV show begins Tuesday, July 7 at 9 p.m. Eastern.

The first three episodes will focus on TNA and Jeff Jarrett. Other topics set to be explored during the season include “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff, Big Boss Man, Missy Hyatt, the Samoa Joe vs. Necro Butcher match from IWA-MS in 2005, Zach Gowen, and The Renegade.

“It is Dark Side of the Ring after all,” Khan says in the trailer.

The trailer is available at this link or below the article.

Dark Side of the Ring season seven topics —

  • Three-part episode on TNA Wrestling and Jeff Jarrett
  • Paul Orndorff
  • Big Boss Man (Ray Traylor)
  • Missy Hyatt
  • Samoa Joe vs. Necro Butcher indie match from IWA-MS in 2005 and the personal animosity the two had toward each other
  • Zach Gowen
  • The Renegade (Rick Wilson), “an exotic dancer who had a brief run as [an] Ultimate Warrior knockoff.”

Tony Khan praises Jon Moxley’s backstage contributions in AEW

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

AEW President Tony Khan recently shed light on Jon Moxley’s backstage contributions to the promotion. And how that helps lift some weight off his shoulders on building and managing the promotion. 

In an exclusive interview with Nine.com.au, Khan discussed his demanding travel schedule and challenges of balancing responsibilities across his football and wrestling ventures. He revealed that Jon Moxley has become an instrumental figure behind the scenes, helping out in varied capacities but did not pinpoint his exact role within the promotion. 

“The thing with wrestling that’s very different is there’s no off-season. We have a great group, but I’m generally the only person who comes to every show.

“In recent years, [star wrestler] Jon Moxley is doing a great job backstage and has been at everything … but I have been at every AEW show since the beginning.

“It’s a lot of travel, but I love it.”

Khan further addressed the ‘biggest hurdle’ he faced in building AEW – the TV deal. He admitted that wrestlers had been signed to the promotion and no broadcast agreement had been finalized yet, leaving AEW’s future slightly uncertain for a while but eventually it worked out. 

“The biggest hurdle was to make the TV deal – I reached a point in early-2019 where I had signed the wrestlers, but didn’t have a deal,” he said.

“I had been working on the TV portion of it for nearly a year, but I had got into April and still didn’t have a deal.

“Reaching a point where it became a reality was very challenging. It’s hard to launch … but things have grown so quickly.”

Since arriving on AEW at Double or Nothing in 2019, Moxley has proven to be one of the promotion’s influential and foundational figures. He has earned the reputation of being the locker room leader and using his extensive wrestling background to contribute to the promotion’s well-being. 

Ronda Rousey addresses Tony Khan’s AEW open-door invitation

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Though the door is open for an AEW return if she wants it, Ronda Rousey doesn’t have any plans to get back into professional wrestling.

Rousey, in the middle of promoting her MMA comeback fight, showed up at AEW Revolution in Los Angeles this March for an angle where she helped out her friend Marina Shafir. On a media call last week, Khan was asked about Rousey’s AEW status and said he would welcome her back any time. Rousey addressed that open-door invitation during an appearance on Up & Adams, saying she had a great time at Revolution but isn’t intending for wrestling to be part of her future.

“No, that life of being on the road is probably more time consuming than doing training camp at home,” Rousey said. “I had a great time, but it just happened to be in town and my best friend was there, you know what I mean?”

Rousey had two separate in-ring runs with WWE before stepping away from the company in August 2023. She did work a few tag team matches with Shafir outside of WWE after that, including a November 2023 bout for Khan in Ring of Honor. Shafir, who was one of the Four Horsewomen of MMA with Rousey, is a member of the AEW women’s division and part of the Death Riders.

For Rousey, the appearance at Revolution was an opportunity to hype up her MMA return, give a “f*** you” to TKO, and have fun with Shafir. Rousey described the AEW environment as being like a “less restrictive, more adult version of WWE.”

No plans for another MMA return either —

Rousey’s quick victory over Gina Carano headlined Netflix’s first-ever live MMA card on May 16. With this always intended to be a one-off comeback, Rousey reiterated in the Up & Adams interview that she is retired, even with Holly Holm open to a rematch of their 2015 fight. Rousey did tell Up & Adams that she is a different fighter now and would “clean [Holm’s] clock” if they matched up again.

AEW officially announces Redemption PPV, full details

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

After rumors began in April, AEW officially announced they will have a pay-per-view this July, bringing their yearly total to ten for the first time in their history.

Announced by Toronto Sun, Redemption will emanate from the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, on Sunday, July 26 — their first ever PPV in the city.

On Thursday, Khan said he was “very interested” in a July PPV if it was “additive” while noting it would be “highly lucrative.”

Khan told Postmedia Monday about the importance of the event especially with a roster of stacked Canadian talents.

“Montreal’s one of the greatest wrestling cities in the world. There’s such a rich history of professional wrestling. This will be a special event. It’s the first-ever AEW Redemption and it’s also the first-ever AEW pay-per-view in Montreal,” he said.

He also teased Mick Foley’s appearance at the new PPV.

“There’s a good chance Mick could come. He’s doing a lot of the AEW events, and I’m sure he’s going to want to be there. I can’t say 100% for certain, but I think there’s a very high likelihood that Mick will be attending and hosting the event in Montreal.”

AEW not concerned with same-market WWE competition

Posted on by Joseph Currier

AEW isn’t worried about trying to outdo WWE when both promotions have shows in the same market.

At the post-Double or Nothing 2026 press conference, Tony Khan was asked if he has anything special in mind to “attack the market” with when AEW comes to Detroit this July. Dynamite and Collision are taking place in the city on July 29-30, with AEW’s visit coming just nine days after Detroit hosts WWE Raw. The events are being held at different venues with Little Caesars Arena hosting Raw and AEW’s shows being held at the smaller Masonic Temple Theater.

“Right now, we’re very focused on just doing the very best shows we can with AEW,” Khan responded. “I believe, I think, in my opinion, it’s showing up. You can see everybody’s working so hard, and it feels like it’s really connecting with the fans. In the back too, it really feels like there’s a spirit that is as strong as it’s been maybe since the pandemic or ever. It feels like right now is as good of a connection between AEW backstage as a company and also the fans watching the shows. I loved the pay-per-view tonight. I think we’re on a roll of great shows this year, the TV and pay-per-views. And that goes back to last year, so I just believe we can keep putting on strong events. The wrestlers are doing such a great job, the fans have been supporting us so well, and I just want to keep it going.”

Khan added that, when it comes to other promotions, he’s only focused on positive things like helping out AEW’s partners.

“We really, for the last few years, have not thought a lot about what other promotions are doing unless it’s people we’re partnering with and going into events like Grand Slam Mexico or Forbidden Door and collaborating with our partners,” he said. “Or trying to support Wrestle Kingdom or Wrestle Dynasty and events that our partners have put on. Or sending great wrestlers to Arena Mexico [or] collaborating with independent promotions, working with other people, trying to bring other promotions in for MyAEW, trying to find ways to support indies. Those are all really positive things, so I feel like we’re just focused on what we do and also how we can help.”

AEW in Detroit —

Khan called Detroit a great wrestling city that he has a “huge affinity” for. Because Detroit built the American auto industry, Khan’s father Shad was able to make his business fortune in auto parts.

“I would like to do more events there. Detroit is such a great wrestling city,” Khan said. “Some of my favorite nights in AEW have been there. We had the original Blood & Guts and the original Royal Rampage. Mox and Kenny in the cage. Really just great, great events in Detroit.”

Tickets for the July 29-30 AEW events are going on sale to the general public on June 1. WWE Raw tickets are already on sale.

Mick Foley ‘genuinely happy’ following AEW debut

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Wrestling hardcore legend Mick Foley made his AEW debut at Double or Nothing, and had nothing but words of appreciation for the promotion following the event. 

He took to Instagram to express gratitude for being involved with AEW and contributing to what he described as an ‘amazing’ night of wrestling .

“ALL ELITE I am so genuinely happy to be part of @AEW, and to have contributed in a small way to such an amazing night of wrestling.” 

Foley co-hosted Zero Hour with Renee Paquette, focusing on coverage leading into the pay-per-view. He addressed the AEW World Championship match set to main event the program, offering words of advice before tensions escalated. 

MJF interrupted the hardcore legend during his comments about the AEW World Championship match. He eventually struck Foley with a low blow. Allin then rushed out to make the save.

Later, in the post show media scrum, AEW President Tony Khan discussed the vision he had in mind for Foley and Paquette’s roles on the promotion.

Tony Khan reveals idea for next AEW Fight for the Fallen

Posted on by Joseph Currier

It sounds like AEW is in the early stages of planning to make the next Fight for the Fallen a show to benefit ALS research and those suffering from the terrible disease.

Rebel (real name Tanea Brooks), best known to AEW fans through her on-screen pairing with Britt Baker, announced this month that she’s been diagnosed with ALS, a fatal disease that has no cure. She’s been going through an awful health ordeal where, prior to this diagnosis, doctors could not figure out what was wrong. The 47 year old has struggled with walking and talking, along with battling lung issues.

At Sunday night’s post-Double or Nothing media scrum, Khan was asked if there is anything fans can do to help support Rebel. Khan shared that he’s in communication with Steve Gleason, a former New Orleans Saints player who has helped inspire others and raise awareness through his own battle with ALS. Khan mentioned the idea of making the next Fight for the Fallen an event to benefit ALS-focused charities. AEW is also producing “Rebel Heart” bracelets to show they are behind her.

“First of all, I want to send best wishes to Rebel. Rebel’s been with us since the beginning. She’s not here on the road with us now, but Rebel’s still always going to be a big part of AEW. And we’re thinking about her,” Khan said. “We’re keeping Rebel in our thoughts, but also, there are things you can do to support her.

“I just got it today, I have not had a chance to reply because I’ve been at the show, but I’m going to reply to him. I just heard from Steve Gleason. Steve Gleason reached out on behalf of the ALS Foundation and his own foundation, and I do think there’s going to be great chances to collaborate and do something. We’ll have these bracelets thinking about Rebel. And I’m thinking that it would be great to work with Steve Gleason and the ALS Foundation to put together Fight for the Fallen and have Fight for the Fallen to benefit ALS and people dealing with ALS and the treatment. And I think that would be something that we could all do that would be a positive way to support.”

AEW Fight for the Fallen —

First taking place in 2019 shortly after AEW was launched, Fight for the Fallen is a show where proceeds are donated to a different charity each year. The inaugural Fight for the Fallen benefitted victims of gun violence. Last year, the event was a Dynamite episode from Asheville, North Carolina. Money was raised to support those impacted by Hurricane Helene, which had devastated the Asheville area.

There has been no announcement as to the date or location for Fight for the Fallen 2026.

On the May 2 episode of Collision, AEW took a moment to let Rebel know how much she means to the company and that she is in everyone’s thoughts.

Tony Khan calls Darby Allin ‘one of the greatest fighting champions ever’ in AEW

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Tony Khan praised and appreciated Darby Allin’s commitment and in-ring fearlessness during his AEW World Championship reign. 

Speaking on the Post Show Media Scrum,  Khan praised Allin’s work ethic, defying stunts in the ring and still having a meaningful run as AEW World Champion. 

“It’s hard to put into words how much Darby Allin means to this company because nobody would ever ask somebody to put their body on the line. No boss could ever go to somebody and ask somebody to do the kinds of things Darby Allin does.”

“To wrestle that often, to wrestle that hard, to take those kinds of chances, to take the risks that he did. He’s a very, very special person and he was fantastic as the TNT Champion, he was fantastic teaming with Sting, and he’s been fantastic as the World Champion. Everything Darby Allin’s done for us, he’s done his very, very best.”

“Whether it’s been in his singles run and the singles championships, he captured the TNT title, the World Title as a tag team wrestler, or climbing Mount Everest. He’s done just about everything he’s ever set his mind to in pro wrestling, and I believe it’s one of the greatest title reigns of any kind we’ve ever had in AEW. And it’s very fitting because I also think some of the greatest TNT title reigns have been Darby’s reigns where he put his body on the line and wrestled every week, but we’ve really never had a world champion wrestle at this kind of pace, this kind of schedule multiple times a week.” 

He compared Allin’s schedules with Jon Moxley, when he was champion during the pandemic era. Khan defined how Allin defended the title multiple times a week with his high-risk maneuvers. 

“Mox wrestled on the show every week, but there was only one show a week back then in the pandemic. We didn’t have Collision yet, and it was before Rampage even. So, we probably have never really seen anything quite like this with somebody going out twice a week often and wrestling at that kind of pace and taking these kinds of risks. So he’s one of the greatest fighting champions we’ve ever had in AEW of any kind at any time, and we’re very fortunate he’s been here this whole time.”

Despite Allin’s title reign spanning across 39 days, it validated his AEW run given how he is considered one of the four pillars of the promotion.

At Double or Nothing, MJF defeated him in a hair vs. title match to become a three-time AEW World Champion before the age of 30. 

Tony Khan provides update on AEW star after scary fall at Double or Nothing

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Tony Khan addressed QT Marshall’s status following AEW Double or Nothing. He also talked extensively about Mick Foley’s future contributions to the promotion. 

In the post show media scrum, Khan discussed Foley’s addition to the AEW roster and stated that Marshall was ‘going to be okay’ after the fall during the pay-per-view. 

“It was great to have Mick Foley come into AEW and be a part of the show now hosting with Renee, somebody who’s a true icon of wrestling and certainly in Philadelphia, one of the great icons of wrestling. Thank you for asking. QT’s gonna be okay. Thanks for asking.”

Khan elaborated on Foley’s presence and plans to pair up with Renee Paquette in terms of duties and responsibilities in AEW. 

“Well, let me tell you, Renee, something I take pride in is pairing up great pairs, whether it’s Sting and Darby (Allin) or so many other great ones along the way. And I think a great team is going to be you and Mick. Yeah. And I’m really excited about it. You got off to a great start hosting the show tonight with Mick and I’m excited that you’re both going to be here doing it for a long time to come. Obviously he got into a bit of an altercation before the show started, but all in all, I think it was one of the best nights in the history of the company.”

In the Double or Nothing pre-show, Marshall teamed up with ‘Big Boom’ AJ and The Conglomeration against Shane Taylor Promotions. During the match, he slipped off the top rope amidst the tower of doom spot. He had a scary landing outside the ring and had to be assisted backstage. 

On the other hand, Foley officially signed with AEW. The announcement was made shortly before the PPV. He also confronted MJF and Darby Allin at the beginning of the event. He hyped Allin ahead of his AEW World Championship match. 

Tony Khan ‘looking to add’ more promotions to MyAEW

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Tony Khan has plans to make MyAEW a global hub for professional wrestling.

Speaking at the post-Double or Nothing press conference on Sunday night, Khan addressed the news that One Fall Wrestling (1FW) content will be featured on MyAEW. Adding that indie promotion made sense given that it’s owned by QT Marshall, an AEW wrestler/executive. And Khan confirmed the move is part of a broader strategy that will see more promotions join MyAEW.

“MyAEW is primarily focused on international [subscribers], but we do have the domestic service. And it has a lot of great content, and we plan to feature wrestling from multiple promotions,” Khan said. “We’ve just added QT’s great promotion, we have One Fall Wrestling now, but we’re looking to add other promotions to MyAEW and make it a hub for pro wrestling all over the world.

“Of course, for a lot of fans, it’s already become a great destination. It’s been a key part of our international strategy, but also here in the US, there’s great promotions we can make available on MyAEW. Still, we have all of our focus here pushed toward HBO Max and Warner Bros. Discovery.”

MyAEW —

The creation of MyAEW was announced this March, with the new service largely existing as a replacement for TrillerTV in markets outside of the United States and Canada. Those international subscribers can pay a monthly fee to access all AEW TV and ROH programming. At higher tiers, AEW pay-per-views are included in the subscription.

In the US/Canada, MyAEW is available as a FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) channel that plays archival AEW content on a live stream. There is also some free AEW/ROH on-demand content, along with 1FW shows being free to watch on demand. 1FW is based in the state of Georgia and recently had Darby Allin stop by for a surprise appearance.

It’s noted on the MyAEW site that an AEW podcast network is coming soon.

WOR: Double or Nothing, Scott Coker’s return to MMA

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back with tons to talk about including the death of Piloto Suicida, AEW Double or Nothing full pay-per-view recap with tons of thoughts, the Tony Khan media call, Arena Mexico and Atlantis Jr., Dave’s thoughts on the return of Scott Coker to MMA, and more. A fun show as always so check it out~!

Timestamps:
Start: Piloto Suicida passes away, AEW Double or Nothing recap
43:55: Tony Khan media scrum notes
51:45: CMLL notes, Scott Coker starting new MMA promotion

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Tony Khan: idea of big AEW event during WWE WrestleMania 43 weekend ‘potenitally viable’

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Tony Khan doesn’t dismiss the idea of a big wrestling weekend to counter WrestleMania 43.

During Sunday’s Double or Nothing media scrum, Khan was asked if AEW could fill in a gap this coming April when there’s no big domestic event taking place, as WrestleMania 43 will be in Saudi Arabia. Khan’s answer suggests it could happen.

“I think it is potentially viable,” he said. “And it’s a very interesting thought. We’ll have to see what happens in the world landscape between now and then, but it’s a very interesting possibility.”

Will Ospreay, Thekla, and Khan all took questions from the media following Sunday’s AEW Double or Nothing event in Queens, New York. Here are the highlights:

Will Ospreay

  • Regarding a possible match against Swerve Strickland in the Owen Hart Foundation tournament, he said he hasn’t spoken to Swerve Strickland in a year and they haven’t crossed paths, so he’s interested in seeing where it goes.
  • He thinks Callum Newman is “playing a dangerous game” but the United Empire are all strong and are “rolling good.” 
  • Regarding Wembley, Ospreay said every kid wanted to be a football player and when he was a kid, he worked with his family at the stadium and watched people going into the building. It would mean so much to him to headline that show and win a title that means a lot to him. Nothing is going to stop him from getting that match.

Thekla

  • Tony Khan mentioned that international talent was coming in when Thekla asked who was next.
  • She predicted Skye Blue would win the Owen Hart tournament and is ready to see her step up.
  • “I always knew I was good, now I know I am the f***ing best,” she stated.

Tony Khan

  • Khan said that Double or Nothing was “one of the best nights in the history of the company.”
  • He thought Mick Foley and Renee Paquette would make a great pair moving forward, and will be doing so for a long time to come.
  • Regarding MyAEW plans, Tony Khan says they are focused on the international market for it but does have a domestic component. He says there are plans for additional promotions to be included with the service.
  • Regarding Madison Square Garden, Tony Khan retold the story of the first Dynamite being planned for MSG, with the building’s management calling him to express interest, only to get another phone call saying they were no longer interested. He said it was similar to Lucy from the ‘Peanuts’ comic strip pulling the football away from Charlie Brown.
  • Someone asked about the NYSAC not allowing blood or brawling in the crowd. Khan thought they hit a home run with the show, and was glad to keep the state of New York happy tonight.
  • He was asked about how he is looking to differentiate ROH and AEW. Khan said the ROH show is a bit different in presentation where he focuses more on younger talent, particularly women, as well as pure wrestling rules. He also said he wanted to make sure veteran ROH stars had a presence on the television show.
  • Khan said he was proud of Darby Allin’s title run, he’s just about done everything he has set out to do and had one of the greatest World title reigns in the company. He additionally said he would be interested to see what Kevin Knight had to say after turning against Darby Allin.
  • Khan continued to praise Paramount and David Ellison, saying the deal is done. He pushed his relationship with Ellison, pushing he had worked with Skydance over NFL collaborations. He also took time to say he didn’t like Netflix’s idea of seperating TBS and TNT from HBO Max.
  • For Dynamite this Wednesday, Khan said he had several matches planned but can’t put the show together until wrestlers get medically cleared.
  • He sent his best wishes to Rebel and is considering doing a Fight for the Fallen event to benefit ALS research, urging fans to support that research. 
  • Regarding usage of CMLL’s micro wrestlers, he said he hasn’t thought much about that, but would put it under consideration.

Mick Foley officially signs with AEW, meets MJF during Double or Nothing Zero Hour

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Mick Foley is officially All Elite.

As the multiple time world champion joined Renee Paquette in the ring as part of the AEW Double or Nothing pre-show, Tony Khan announced that Foley had officially joined the promotion.

“He’s co-hosting The Buy In at AEW Double or Nothing tonight, and now it’s official: the legendary Mick Foley is ALL ELITE!!,” he wrote.

After making his entrance, Foley said that being at Double or Nothing was one of the biggest nights of his life, as AEW is the reason he fell in love with pro wrestling again. He said he considered Tony Khan a friend and is glad to be part of the family.

Towards the end of the Zero Hour pre-show, MJF interrupted Foley has he was sharing his predicton for the main event. The two exchanged words until MJF gave Foley a low blow. Darby Allin came out for the save but MJF fled before anything more could take place. Foley recovered enough to give Allin a pep speech, asking him to win tonight for the weird kids.

Foley publicly left WWE for political reasons

Foley’s AEW debut was announced earlier this week after reports surfaced that the company was interested in bringing him in. 

Last year, Foley made headlines when he chose to cut ties with WWE, declaring he would not be renewing his Legends contract due to the company’s ties with President Donald Trump. He called Trump’s comments regarding director Rob Reiner’s death “incredibly cruel.”

Tony Khan ‘very interested’ in running an additional AEW PPV in 2026

Posted on by Josh Nason

With the report by our Andrew Zarian in April that AEW will add a new pay-per-view in July called Redemption, AEW head Tony Khan talked this week about the possibility of adding a new show.

On Thursday’s pre-Double or Nothing media call, Khan confirmed that he is very interested in running a July PPV in 2026 as it’s “something that could be very lucrative and very additive.”

“I take a lot of pride in the quality of the AEW PPV shows and think we bat a very high average. We deliver great PPV events and I would only explore adding additional AEW PPV events to the calendar if I feel they are going to be additive. I think there are opportunities,” he said, not confirming if Redemption would be the name.

If one is added (and perhaps announced on Sunday), it would bring AEW to ten yearly PPVs for the first time in their history. They started out with three in 2019, four in both 2020 and 2021, five in 2022, eight in 2023, and nine in both 2024 and 2025. With the exception of 2020’s Revolution, they have always skipped both January and February.

Tony Khan would love to have Ronda Rousey back in AEW

Posted on by Josh Nason

Ronda Rousey famously made a surprise appearance at March’s AEW Revolution to confront Toni Storm which resulted in a pullapart confrontation — one that was never followed up on.

AEW head Tony Khan has made it clear he would still love to have the MMA and one-time pro wrestling star back anytime, answering a question about Rousey’s AEW future on a media call this week.

“I’ve enjoyed working with her in Ring of Honor and having her at AEW Revolution. Anytime she wants to come back to AEW, she’s welcome,” Khan said, acknowledging that Rousey is focused on her family.

Rousey returned to MMA last weekend for the first time in a decade, defeating fellow veteran Gina Carano in 17 seconds as part of Netflix’s first-ever MMA event.

In an interview to hype the fight, she was asked about the AEW appearance, saying it was a “little bit of a f*ck you to TKO” of which she is not a fan of current leadership. She wrestled for WWE for two different runs with the first more well received than the second.

It’s unclear, and was not asked, if there were plans for a Rousey vs. Storm match. Storm is currently on a leave from the company for an undisclosed reason.

After the Carano fight, Rousey said she was done fighting and wanted to have more kids. If she is to return to AEW or ROH, where she had one tag team match, Khan is ready for her.

“I would love to have her anytime when she’s available to fight in AEW. She’s one of the great names in combat sports and someone who is great presence anytime she is here in AEW,” he said.