AEW WrestleDream 2024 Media Scrum: Potential Future Roster Split, New Media Rights Deal with WBD, WBD Equity Status, ROH TV Future, Daniel Garcia Staying in AEW

AEW CEO Tony Khan held a media scrum on Wednesday to promote this Saturday’s WrestleDream 2024 event in Tacoma, Washington.

Some of the notable highlights included:

• On the topic of a potential roster split for AEW’s Dynamite and Collision shows, Khan stated that it is not a bad idea thought and he has considered doing it. Khan also stated that he is thinking about roster management but it is early to speculate on things given their new television deal with Warner Bros Discovery and what’s to come.
• On the topic of AEW’s new media rights deal with WBD, Khan stated that both sides were happy with what they ultimately worked out for a deal. Khan did not provide much in terms of details regarding the AEW pay-per-events events aspect on MAX but he stated that he is confident it will be a financial positive for fans. Khan did state that AEW PPVs will be part of the AEW streaming library on MAX in addition to their regular weekly television shows.
• On the topic of if WBD has equity in AEW, Khan stated “It’s a fair question. I will not get into our ownership structure beyond saying I have 100% of the voting stock in this company and have since the beginning and hold the vast majority of shares. I think that’s fair to say. As the sole voting owner and the vast majority shareholder of the company, I think that speaks volumes and I’m the controlling owner with 100% voting control of the business.“
• On the topic of the future of ROH TV and if he is shopping it around, Khan did not give a direct answer but stated that there are other deals to be done like the international television market that have to be made first. Khan stated that he is very passionate about ROH and thinks there will be great opportunities for the ROH brand going forward.
• On the topic of Daniel Garcia staying in AEW, Khan stated “I really like Daniel Garcia and I completely understand why he wanted to take some time before making a really important decision in his life and career. It’s a life changing decision and I understand why somebody would want to reflect on these things, especially with a major contract year looming. It’s a great beacon to our wrestlers, our staff, and our fans, when they see one of the great young wrestlers in the sport, somebody we have spent time developing, where a lot of our top stars like Bryan Danielson and FTR believe in Daniel Garcia and want to mentor him and work with him. It was great for the morale of the company to have, I believe one of our homegrown stars, Daniel Garcia was a top independent wrestler when he came to AEW and we were very familiar with his work. That’s why I wanted to put him in a spot as soon as he got here and work him in and use him at TV wrestler because I knew he was very talented. To see the development over the last three plus years in Danny, we’ve all gotten to watch it together as fans. When Danny came in, he was immediately in big positions wrestling our top stars on television. That showed the confidence I had in him and AEW had in Danny from the very beginning. He continued to grow and develop and build a connection with the fans. You saw that last night and throughout this year. Certainly someone that works hard, loves AEW, wants to be here, is a positive person in the locker room who spreads joy in the company and to the fans, that’s the kind of person you want to keep in AEW. I was thrilled to extend Danny’s contract and have Danny stay in AEW for years to come. It’s great news for AEW, the staff, for Danny personally, and the fans. That’s one things I’m excited about for the future, getting Danny’s contract settled.”

Full AEW WrestleDream 2024 media scrum audio: F4WOnline.com

Source: F4WOnline.com, Fightful.com 1 & 2