AEW Worlds End Media Scrum: WBD, Potential for More Sports-Based Presentation for Shows, Kenny Omega, Swerve Strickland & Keith Lee, AEW Devil Reveal

AEW CEO Tony Khan held a media scrum on Thursday to promote this Saturday’s AEW Worlds End event at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Long Island, New York.

Some of the notable highlights included:

• On the topic of AEW’s current working relationship with Warner Brothers Discovery, Khan stated “We have a great relationship with Warner Bros Discovery. It’s amazing now. We’ve been talking to them for several years and this coming weekend marks the five-year anniversary of the launch of AEW. We announced the formation on January 1, 2019 and here we are, days away from the five-year anniversary of that. Warner Brothers Discovery has been an indespenisible partner throughout this journey. I’m very excited about the future of AEW and excited to work with Warner Brothers Discovery throughout 2024 and going forward after that, there is going to be a lot of exciting conversations about AEW media rights. It’ll be a very exciting year and a lot of things are going to happen. We have a great situation with Warner Bros Discovery and it’s been a great year for that partnership.“
• On the topic of the future of AEW’s next media rights deal, Khan stated “We’re under an exclusive agreement. I can’t say what the future of AEW will hold for certain, but I know there is a lot of interest in pro wrestling, and judging by the market, I’ve had lots of interest in Ring of Honor, which I’m holding and looking forward to having an extra card to play later in the coming year in such negotiations. Knowing there is a ton of interest in ROH and that product from outside parties, and knowing there is far more interest in AEW, multiple times more, and far greater rights fees for AEW in the future, it bodes well in the market knowing there will likely be a lot of suitors for AEW. We’ll find out for sure as we get closer to the end of the year. I have to say, it’s really great working at Warner Brothers Discovery, and if anyone came in, it would have to be a heck of an offer because we have a great thing going here and it’s a great place to be. I do value the relationship.“
• On the topic of New Japan Pro Wrestling’s recent announcement of Hiroshi Tanahashi being named their new President, Khan stated that he is excited for Tanahashi’s new role and praised former NJPW President Takami Ohbari’s work. Khan also stated that he values his working relationship with Tanahashi and values his professionalism.
• On the topic of AEW’s year-over-year ratings decline for Dynamite and Rampage, Khan stated that WWE’s RAW has also been down for the fourth quarter and the same for cable television in general. Khan also stated that he thinks WWE would also say being down around 8-10% compared to cable is not bad. Khan also stated that just like with WWE, he is also expecting a lot more revenue for AEW when it comes to the next round of their media rights negotiations based on where Dynamite started.
• On the topic of his booking of AEW and Ring of Honor, Khan stated that he has never felt more invigorated than he is right now when it comes to booking for shows. Khan also stated that he has been extremely happy over the recent run of Collision shows and the ratings it has generated.
• On the topic of AEW’s Continental Classic, Khan stated that the tournament has been the most fun thing he has ever done and put together. Khan also stated that he feels that the ratings increase for shows has been due to its sports-based presentation and something he will lean more towards for shows going forward based on fan feedback
• On the topic of if there are already people lined up as replacements for the recent Vice President and executive departures from AEW, Khan stated that he will be making upcoming big announcements regarding this situation.
• On the topic of Kenny Omega’s recent diverticulitis illness, Khan stated that Omega being sidelined with an illness did end up affecting “a lot of stuff” that had been originally planned for Worlds End.
• On the topic of the Swerve Strickland vs. Keith Lee match for Worlds End, Khan stated that he felt it was the right time to do the long awaited singles match between the two. Khan stated that the reason for the long delay was by design since he has been trying to build up both guys for a major PPV match. Khan also stated that he would not have done things differently if given the chance and felt that Worlds End was both the right time and place for their match.
• On the topic of AEW holding a potential Women’s Continental Classic, Khan gave a mostly non-answer but stated he will continue to develop all of the talent he can and keep the heat going for AEW’s Women’s division.
• On the topic of the potential reveal of the AEW Devil at AEW Worlds End event, Khan stated “It feels like we’re getting close to that point. I do expect some big revelations and big moments at Worlds End. It’s its own idea, and it’s something that I’m excited about. I do feel like it’s coming close to the culmination and it does feel like the secrets will be revealed at Worlds End, and I’m looking forward to it. It’s been very different than the other aspects of AEW. One aspect of it has been really interesting and it’s been something to keep people hooked and those people that want to see that kind of episodic story is really something that has a lot of people talking and built a lot of interest for Worlds End is the identity of the Devil.“

Full AEW Worlds End media scrum audio: F4WOnline.com

Source: PostWrestling.com, Fightful.com 1 & 2