In the high-stakes chess match of professional wrestling, the silence between the industry’s two largest titans is often louder than the promos delivered in the ring. However, during a media scrum following the ROH Supercard of Honor, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) president and owner Tony Khan broke that silence to address reports regarding the company’s future stability and its relationship with the competition.
The primary friction point centers on the future of AEW’s broadcast home. With the current television agreement set to expire at the end of 2027, whispers have begun to circulate regarding the company’s ability to secure a comparable deal. In a direct response to reporting from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Tony Khan rejects WWE speculation on TV deal viability, dismissing claims from within the WWE camp that AEW will struggle to find a partner in Paramount.
The exchange highlights a shift in Khan’s public persona. Known for his energetic and sometimes combative social media presence, Khan described a conscious effort to adopt a more reserved, “gentlemanly” approach to the corporate rivalry. He noted that while he found the background reports surprising, he is choosing to prioritize maturity over retaliation.
“I saw a report today saying somebody in WWE is telling people within WWE talking about AEW’s next TV deal and talking about what we’re doing. And I was surprised by that and I’ll say what they said could not be further from the truth and they’re entitled to their opinions,” Khan said. “I’ve been trying to be respectful to them and try to conduct myself as a gentleman and then for them to go on background and spread these things…I’ll just turn the other cheek, and maybe a couple of years ago I wouldn’t have done it like that.”
The New Day and the Contractual Divide
Beyond the corporate boardroom, the wrestling world is perpetually focused on the “free agent” market. Much of the current speculation revolves around Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, collectively known as the New Day, who have recently departed WWE. When pressed on the possibility of the duo landing in AEW, Khan remained diplomatically vague, citing the legalities of their current status.
Khan clarified that he could not provide specific comments on their potential arrival because the wrestlers remain under contract. However, he did not miss the opportunity to praise their talent, stating that they are great wrestlers “under any circumstances.” For fans, the New Day represents a significant potential acquisition that could shift the tag team landscape, though Khan’s comments suggest that any move remains contingent on contractual timelines.
Reimagining Ring of Honor
The Supercard of Honor event served as more than just a showcase of matches; it was a milestone for the Ring of Honor (ROH) brand. Khan marked four years since his acquisition of the company, using the moment to reflect on the brand’s evolution and its current operational shift to Jacksonville, Florida. He noted that the move has provided a necessary boost for the locker room and the development of younger talent.
Khan’s vision for ROH involves a strategic blend of traditional “pure” wrestling and modern media distribution. He expressed interest in the possibility of an all-pure wrestling-style HonorClub show or events featuring a high density of Pure rules matches, including eliminator bouts. This focus on technical proficiency is echoed by Deonna Purrazzo, who expressed excitement about defining the future of Women’s Pure Rules wrestling.
Regarding the broader media landscape, Khan is optimistic about the potential merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. He described AEW and HBO Max as “challenger brands” and praised the management of David Ellison, suggesting that the current shift in how media is consumed creates more opportunities for ROH than ever before. While he admitted to receiving offers to place ROH on cable in the past, he emphasized that the company will only move if the situation is exactly right.
Roster Ambitions and Championship Goals
The event also provided a platform for the athletes to outline their trajectories. Athena, one of the most dominant forces in the division, signaled her intent to move beyond ROH and “take over” AEW. Her ambitions are not merely local; she cited the legendary Bruno Sammartino’s seven-year WWE Championship reign as the benchmark she intends to surpass.
Other key developments from the event include:
- The Outrunners and Dalton Castle: The trio celebrated a Six-Man Tag Team title win, with Castle noting this particular victory held significant personal meaning.
- Mark Davis: The National title holder expressed openness to all challengers while praising his partner, Kyle Fletcher, as one of the world’s premier wrestlers.
- Red Velvet: The competitor teased an upcoming clash with Willow Nightingale on AEW Collision, stating she only needs “space, opportunity, and three seconds.”
The Human Element Behind the Business
Amidst the talk of TV deals and title reigns, Khan paused to address the personal losses and logistical hurdles that define the industry. He paid a poignant tribute to the late Jay Briscoe, stating that he thinks of him every day. Khan revealed that his recent effort to “turn the other cheek” in business disputes is rooted in a deeper spiritual reflection following Briscoe’s passing.
The logistical realities of international wrestling also surfaced, as Khan discussed ongoing visa issues affecting Mortos and Komander. Because they have yet to secure their appointments, Khan floated the idea of defending their titles in Mexico to ensure the championships remain active.
In a moment of nostalgia, Khan recalled a specific episode of Daily’s Place during the COVID-19 pandemic. He described a surreal environment where only ten people were permitted in the building, yet Sammy Guevara and Kenny Omega were able to produce a main event that exceeded 25 minutes. It is this blend of resilience and unpredictability that Khan believes defines the current era of the sport.
As AEW moves toward the latter half of its current television cycle, the focus remains on roster expansion and the stabilization of the ROH brand. The next major checkpoint for the company will be the continued integration of its talent across the Collision and Dynamite broadcasts, as well as the resolution of international visa hurdles for its championship holders.
Do you think the New Day would be a better fit for the current AEW landscape or should they seek a different path? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
