Tag: Tony Khan

AEW & Jon Moxley Hit With Lawsuit By Former Crew Member Over Alleged Backstage Incident During 2023 Dynamite Tapings

All Elite Wrestling and current AEW World Champion Jon Moxley are at the center of a new legal storm, as a former production crew member has filed a lawsuit accusing both parties of negligence and civil assault. The suit stems from an incident that allegedly took place during the May 10, 2023 episode of AEW Dynamite at Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena.

According to court documents obtained by The Takedown, the plaintiff, Christopher Dispensa—a longtime veteran of wrestling and entertainment production—was working that night as a contracted crew member. His role, as stated in the lawsuit, was to hand Moxley a screwdriver during a match against Kenny Omega, part of an ongoing storyline between The Elite and Blackpool Combat Club.

However, Dispensa claims that what was supposed to be a scripted handoff turned violent without warning. The lawsuit alleges that Moxley “violently shoved” him to the ground, resulting in serious injuries that required surgery and continued medical treatment. The alleged moment did not air as a focal point during the broadcast, but it reportedly took place ringside amid the chaos of the bout.

The suit further claims that AEW bears responsibility due to what Dispensa describes as negligent hiring practices, stating the company failed to properly train, monitor, or discipline talent to ensure a safe working environment for non-wrestling personnel. Moxley’s alleged history of “unpredictability” and “lack of control” is also cited as a contributing factor, with Dispensa accusing the former AEW World Champion of acting with “clear intent to harm” or showing “complete disregard” for safety protocols.

Dispensa is pursuing damages related to medical costs, lasting physical injury, emotional trauma, and punitive compensation for the distress caused.

This legal development arrives at a time when AEW is already navigating multiple legal battles. The promotion recently succeeded in moving lawsuits filed by ex-commentator Kevin Kelly and tag team The Tate Twins to arbitration, while former AEW talent Ryan Nemeth dropped his lawsuit voluntarily in April.

As of now, neither AEW nor Jon Moxley has publicly commented on the allegations.

Tony Khan Unveils ROH Women’s Pure Championship, First Champion to Be Crowned at Supercard of Honor

AEW Collision had a little extra buzz this past Saturday night — and it wasn’t just the in-ring action. Before the Ring of Honor television tapings kicked off, AEW CEO and ROH owner Tony Khan made a major announcement that’s got fans talking: the introduction of the ROH Women’s Pure Championship.

The new title brings a fresh layer of prestige and competition to ROH’s growing women’s division, with a focus on the signature Pure Rules that have defined the men’s Pure Championship. These matches typically emphasize technical wrestling, limited rope breaks, and strict enforcement of in-ring conduct — something that should shine a spotlight on the division’s most disciplined and skilled performers.

Khan also revealed that the inaugural champion will be crowned at this year’s Supercard of Honor, set for Friday, May 2, at the Adrian Phillips Theater at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The annual Supercard event has historically been one of ROH’s biggest nights of the year, and adding a new title to the mix only ups the stakes.

While no participants have been officially announced for the championship match just yet, expect ROH to highlight some of the top names from both the ROH and AEW women’s rosters in the coming weeks. With stars like Athena, Billie Starkz, Mercedes Martinez, and more in the mix, the competition is sure to be fierce.

The creation of the Women’s Pure Championship is another sign that Khan and ROH are serious about expanding and evolving the brand’s identity. It also offers another platform for women in the company to showcase their in-ring technical prowess under a unique ruleset that prioritizes clean, strategic wrestling.

Stay tuned to WrestlingNewsBlog.com as more details emerge on who will compete for the ROH Women’s Pure Championship at Supercard of Honor!

Tony Khan Open to Moving “AEW Collision” from Saturday Nights

AEW CEO Tony Khan has addressed speculation surrounding AEW Collision possibly moving to a different night in the future. While Khan remains confident in the show’s performance on Saturdays, he acknowledged that any potential change would depend on AEW’s network partner, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD).

Khan Praises Collision’s Growth on Saturdays

Speaking about Collision, Khan expressed pride in how the Saturday night program has developed its audience.

“I think we have a great thing on Saturdays,” Khan said. “We’ve consistently been one of the top shows in our time slot, and we’ve been building a great audience. ‘Collision’ is having a great year.”

He also pointed out how the show has performed well relative to other cable programs and believes it has built strong momentum heading into 2025.

Could Collision Move to a Different Night?

Despite his satisfaction with Collision’s current schedule, Khan made it clear that he’s open to change if WBD suggests it.

“I would be open to basically anything within reason the network asked me to do. I am really very proud of the run we’re having,” Khan explained.

This flexibility could come into play once WBD’s current deal with the NBA expires, as the network will likely reassess its programming strategy. AEW has benefited from sports lead-ins in the past, and Khan acknowledged that these have helped boost Collision’s success.

What’s Next for AEW Collision?

For now, Khan is focused on maintaining Collision’s momentum and ensuring its long-term success, much like Dynamite, which has been a major player for WBD since 2019. While nothing is set in stone regarding a potential schedule change, the AEW boss remains committed to working with the network to make the best decision for the company’s future.

With AEW’s media rights negotiations on the horizon, the placement of Collision could become a key discussion point. Whether it stays on Saturdays or moves to another night, it’s clear that Khan and AEW are ready to adapt.

Ryan Nemeth Files Lawsuit Against AEW, Tony Khan, and CM Punk Over Alleged Locker Room Incident

It looks like AEW’s backstage drama isn’t staying behind closed doors. Former AEW talent Ryan Nemeth has officially taken legal action against All Elite Wrestling (AEW), Tony Khan, and CM Punk, filing a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court on February 14. The lawsuit includes multiple allegations, including assault, breach of contract, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and intentional interference with prospective advantage.

According to Fightful, this legal battle appears to stem from a backstage incident on June 21, 2023, between Nemeth and CM Punk, who was still with AEW at the time. The situation reportedly escalated after Nemeth posted a tweet calling Punk “the softest man alive,” a comment Nemeth says was meant to bolster his heel persona. However, the tweet didn’t sit well with Punk, and the lawsuit claims the former AEW World Champion confronted Nemeth in the male talent locker room.

The lawsuit states that Punk aggressively approached Nemeth, allegedly saying, “Do we have a f*ing problem? Do we need to step outside and handle this like men?”** Nemeth asserts that he was cornered and attempted to defuse the situation. The following day, he allegedly reported the incident to AEW executives, but claims no disciplinary action was taken against Punk.

Nemeth Alleges Retaliation

After the confrontation, Nemeth’s issues with AEW seemingly worsened. The lawsuit states that AEW’s legal team informed him that he was being benched—something he believes was directly influenced by Punk. Despite his attempts to return to the ring, Nemeth claims he was repeatedly turned away. One notable incident occurred on August 12, 2023, when he arrived at an AEW event in Greensboro, North Carolina, only to be told by AEW official Pat Buck that he needed to leave the arena immediately. Travel was then arranged to send him home that same day.

Nemeth’s final AEW match took place on November 18, 2024, but by that point, CM Punk had already been fired. AEW terminated Punk’s contract in September 2023 following a physical altercation at AEW All In, marking the end of his tumultuous tenure with the company. Just two months later, Punk made his highly-publicized return to WWE at Survivor Series 2023.

Meanwhile, Ryan Nemeth has since moved on and currently competes alongside his brother, Nic Nemeth (fka Dolph Ziggler), in TNA Wrestling.

What’s Next?

This lawsuit brings yet another layer of controversy to AEW’s already rocky history with backstage altercations. While Punk has moved on to WWE and Nemeth has found a new home in TNA, this legal battle could shed more light on AEW’s handling of internal disputes. Will AEW respond publicly? Will Punk address the allegations? As the case unfolds, the wrestling world will be watching closely.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.

Tony Khan Confirms The End Of AEW Rampage For Now

After three years on the air, AEW Rampage is officially taking its final bow—at least for now. Tony Khan broke the news during Sunday’s AEW Dynamite taping, confirming that this Friday’s episode will be the last for the foreseeable future. The announcement, made to the live crowd, left room for a potential return down the line, but for now, Rampage will bid farewell as AEW looks toward the future of its programming.

The Final Episode: What to Expect

The final Rampage episode will feature four matches, taped at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. The card includes appearances from fan favorites like Private Party, Thunder Rosa, and HOOK. In the night’s biggest match, Chris Jericho defeated Anthony Bowens of The Acclaimed, though his ROH World Championship was not at stake.

The taping capped off AEW’s three-night stay at the iconic Hammerstein Ballroom, where they also held the ROH Final Battle pay-per-view and a Saturday edition of AEW Collision. Fans at the venue and watching at home praised the shows, signaling that AEW’s experiment with smaller venues may be paying off.

What’s Next for AEW?

While Rampage is wrapping up, speculation is swirling about what’s next for AEW’s television offerings. Rumors suggest that AEW has been in talks with another media company, with Fox frequently mentioned as a possible partner. Earlier this year, AEW trademarked the name “Shockwave,” sparking chatter that it could be the title of a new series. However, no official details have been announced.

AEW’s move to sunset Rampage comes on the heels of their new media rights deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, potentially signaling a shift in their overall strategy. Whether this means a fresh weekly show or other innovative programming, fans are eager to see how the company will evolve its approach.

A Farewell, But Not Goodbye?

Tony Khan’s phrasing—“for the foreseeable future”—keeps the door open for a Rampage return. In the meantime, AEW’s focus appears to be on refining its other flagship programs and exploring new opportunities for growth.

Tony Khan Confirms TV Deal Talks for ROH

Since purchasing Ring of Honor (ROH) in 2022, Tony Khan has worked to breathe new life into the historic promotion. Operating primarily as a streaming brand under the AEW umbrella, ROH has carved out its niche through weekly content and a loyal subscriber base. Now, it seems the company could be on the verge of its next big step: a television deal.

Speaking on Sports Guys Talking Wrestling, AEW and ROH CEO Tony Khan confirmed that he’s actively negotiating for a TV partnership.

“There’s a great opportunity to grow Ring of Honor as we grow AEW,” Khan said. “AEW just secured this huge media rights deal, and it’s a complementary thing to have another great wrestling promotion with that history. I do think there’s a lot of interest right now in Ring of Honor. I’ve had great conversations about TV partnerships with ROH.”

Signs of Momentum for ROH

One notable clue pointing to Khan’s pursuit of a TV deal is Chris Jericho’s involvement as ROH World Champion. Jericho recently defeated Mark Briscoe on AEW Dynamite in October to kick off his second reign with the title. The last time Jericho held the ROH World Championship in 2022, there were similar rumors about the promotion being shopped for a television deal. While nothing materialized back then, Khan opted to revamp ROH’s streaming service to sustain the brand.

With Jericho back in the spotlight holding ROH gold, his star power could be Khan’s play to showcase ROH to potential TV partners.

Athena: The Backbone of ROH’s Women’s Division

Beyond Jericho, Athena has been another cornerstone of ROH’s resurgence. The former WWE standout has held the ROH Women’s World Championship for a staggering 730 days, with an impressive 24 successful defenses to her name. Since claiming the title in 2022, Athena has primarily remained exclusive to ROH, further solidifying her as a foundational piece of the brand.

Her dominance as champion highlights the company’s ability to feature top-tier talent and build its own stars, which could add value as Khan courts network interest.

What’s Next for ROH?

While details remain under wraps, Tony Khan’s comments signal that progress is being made. With AEW’s recent success in securing a lucrative media rights deal, the timing could be perfect for ROH to land its own television home. For fans, a potential TV deal would elevate ROH’s exposure, giving the promotion the platform it deserves while continuing its legacy as a breeding ground for future wrestling stars.

For now, we’ll have to wait and see if ROH finally makes its long-awaited return to television. But with Tony Khan at the helm and names like Jericho and Athena leading the charge, the future certainly looks bright for Ring of Honor.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops!

Tony Khan Provides Update On TV Partnerships For ROH

AEW President Tony Khan recently shed light on the future of Ring of Honor (ROH) during an appearance on the “Sports Guys Talk Wrestling” podcast. Khan, who acquired ROH in 2022, expressed optimism about the brand’s trajectory, hinting at ongoing discussions surrounding a potential television partnership for the historic promotion.

Khan emphasized the importance of ROH as part of the broader wrestling landscape, particularly alongside AEW’s rapid growth. He stated:

“It’s a great company. I love ROH, and I think that really, for us, it’s important to look at… there’s a great opportunity to grow Ring of Honor as we grow AEW. AEW just secured this huge media rights deal, and it’s a complimentary thing to have another great wrestling promotion with that history.”

Growing Opportunities for ROH

Khan went on to reveal that significant interest has emerged in Ring of Honor, both for streaming and traditional television platforms. He continued:

“I do think there’s a lot of interest right now in Ring of Honor. I’ve had great conversations about TV partnerships with ROH, and I think as AEW continues to grow, there’s going to be more great opportunities for ROH in streaming and television.”

This update is promising for ROH fans, who have eagerly awaited news regarding the promotion’s long-term direction since Khan’s acquisition. While ROH has seen consistent content delivery through its HonorClub streaming platform, many fans have expressed hopes for a more mainstream TV presence that could elevate the brand to new heights.

The Value of ROH in AEW’s Ecosystem

Khan’s comments also highlight his vision of ROH as a complementary product to AEW, rather than a competitor. With AEW recently securing a lucrative media rights deal, ROH could benefit from the momentum AEW has built as a growing force in pro wrestling. The rich legacy of ROH, which has served as a launching pad for some of wrestling’s biggest stars, positions it as a valuable asset for any network looking to expand its sports or entertainment portfolio.

What’s Next for ROH?

While no specific details have been confirmed, the news of “great conversations” about a TV partnership is encouraging. Whether this results in a deal for linear television, expanded streaming options, or both, it’s clear Khan sees a bright future for the promotion.

For now, ROH continues to thrive through HonorClub and AEW crossover storylines, but a formal TV deal could provide the boost needed to reestablish ROH as a major player in the wrestling world. Stay tuned for updates as Tony Khan continues to build out the next chapter of Ring of Honor’s storied history.

Tony Khan Provides An Update On Toni Storm’s Future

AEW President Tony Khan has shed light on the status of “Timeless” Toni Storm following her recent dramatic announcement about retiring from professional wrestling.

Earlier this week, Storm made waves by declaring that she was stepping away from the ring after a string of high-profile losses. Reflecting on her recent setbacks, the former AEW Women’s World Champion stated, “I’ve failed at everything. I lost in AEW, I lost in Japan, I lost in Mexico. This is the last you’ll hear from me again.”

The heartfelt declaration left fans stunned, sparking concerns about the future of one of AEW’s most unique and charismatic stars.

Speaking during a media call on Thursday to promote the upcoming AEW Full Gear 2024 pay-per-view event, Khan addressed Storm’s emotional remarks and provided some clarity.

“Timeless Toni Storm has been a great world champion for AEW. I think reports of her demise have been greatly exaggerated,” Khan said. He added, “I still expect Toni Storm will have a great wrestling career, but she’s really struggling, clearly, with what’s happened. She lost the world title, she lost her protégé. I think she feels like she lost everything, and now she’s lost.”

Khan expressed hope for the return of Storm to AEW, emphasizing her importance to the promotion. “I hope Toni Storm can find herself and come back to us in AEW because Timeless Toni Storm is a great part of AEW,” he concluded.

What’s Next for Toni Storm?

It’s no secret that Storm has been one of AEW’s most captivating performers, particularly since embracing her “Timeless” persona. A mixture of old Hollywood glam and unhinged unpredictability, Storm’s character has been a breakout hit, offering some of AEW’s most entertaining segments in recent months.

Still, her losses in the ring—both in AEW and abroad—seem to have taken a toll on her confidence. Fans are left wondering if Storm’s comments signal a character-driven development or a genuine moment of introspection for the star.

As Full Gear approaches, Storm’s future remains a hot topic. Whether this is the end of “Timeless” Toni Storm or the start of her next great chapter, the wrestling world will be watching closely.

Tony Khan Struck Deal With Guns N’ Roses For AEW Full Gear Theme

AEW President Tony Khan hasn’t been shy to open his checkbook to use licensed music for AEW programming, and he’s announced that a legendary song will play to promote the AEW Full Gear pay-per-view later this month.

Khan announced on X that the “November Rain” song by Guns N’ Roses will be used ahead of Full Gear on AEW’s shows this weekend and next week’s “AEW Dynamite,” creating a fittingly epic atmosphere for the event on November 23.

“Thanks to @gunsnroses, AEW has secured a license to use November Rain in our videos promoting #AEWFullGear + this AEW November to Remember! Expect AEW November Rain by this weekend + again next Wednesday before the ppv!” said Khan.

https://twitter.com/TonyKhan/status/1856535046363967496

AEW has previously licensed songs like “The Final Countdown” for Bryan Danielson, Pantera’s “Walk” for Rob Van Dam’s debut, “Seek and Destroy” by Metallica for Sting and Darby Allin, and “Wild Thing” by X for Jon Moxley. 

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Tony Khan – ‘The Arrival Of The Most Important Announcements In AEW History Is Imminent’

AEW All In: London 2024 takes place on August 25, and fans have begun speculating that AEW President Tony Khan could be saving some major announcements for the Wembley event.

In a recent interview with “TV Insider,” Khan teased that the announcements are imminent.

He said, “It is a very exciting time in AEW for many reasons…We’re days away from AEW All In on August 25. This is the most important and exciting time in AEW’s history. In addition to what is happening in the ring, there are so many exciting things happening behind the scenes at AEW right now. We’re on the verge of the most important announcements in the history of AEW. There are multiple aspects. The arrival of these announcements is imminent. We’ll have big news that could come at any time. Isn’t that the best kind of wrestling surprise when you know something is coming and you want it and it’s exciting, but you’re not sure when it’s going to happen? You have that feeling it’s going to happen. In this case, I have more than a feeling to paraphrase Boston. I have been working on this for a long time. We have a great team here. The future of AEW is very bright.”

Khan also noted that he wishes to run more shows and major events at the Esports Stadium in Arlington, TX.

He continued, “I think we found something very special around Arlington’s Esports Stadium in Texas. There is magic in the building and magic in those fans. I would love to keep doing more shows there and having major events there. And if there are other great wrestling markets, legendary wrestling markets that could sustain that kind of excitement week after week, I would love that. We found something very special there in Texas.”

AEW’s residency in Arlington will conclude with a Collision/Rampage taping on Saturday, August 17.

Source: eWn