Tag: Tony Khan

Tony Khan Teases Update On ROH Television Situation

While speaking during Wednesday’s media call to promote this weekend’s Ring of Honor Final Battle pay-per-view event, ROH owner and AEW President Tony Khan hinted that an update on the promotion’s television deal could be coming soon. Khan acquired Ring of Honor in May of this year. Tony indicated to Brandon Thurston that an announcement regarding ROH’s TV future could come this weekend.

ROH Final Battle 2022 will take place this Saturday, December 10th at 4:00 PM EST from Arlington, TX. It will air live on pay-per-view.

https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston/status/1600559192984768513

Source: EWrestlingNews

Tony Khan Provides Updates On Hangman Page, Adam Cole, Miro, & Andrade El Idolo

AEW President Tony Khan provided several updates on Miro, Andrade El Idolo, Hangman Page & Adam Cole during the post-AEW All Out media scrum.

As many of you are aware, both Cole and Page are out with concussions, while Miro and El Idolo have been off TV in recent months.

You can check out some highlights from the media scrum below:

On when Miro and Anrade El Idolo may return: “I think when we launched AEW, one thing I said was that we would build a big roster, and we would kind of have it be where I wasn’t really committing to everybody necessarily working every single week, or even possibly working people in and out of the cards. And I think that’s still something I’m committed to. So there’s people who aren’t on every event, but I would still like to get involved. And you know, you’ve seen people take some sabbaticals, absences, breaks from AEW for various reasons, come back and get very involved. And I think that’s still for both of those guys, potentially something that you could see.

“There are different reasons, I think they’re different [situations]. They’re apples and oranges in some ways, but I also think both of them are great, and I would like to get both of them involved in the future.”

On Adam Cole and Hangman Page’s statuses: “Well, I’ve been in contact with both of them. They’re both doing very well. I think again, they’re different situations. But for both of them, I think I’m optimistic we’d get both both of them back. But I can’t say when either of them would be exactly. But I do think they will both very well received and I there’s a lot of fans looking forward to both of the Adams returning. I think Hangman Page and Adam Cole would have a big reception on their return. The most important thing is, they’re both doing really well.”

Source: EWrestlingNews

Tony Khan Reportedly Refusing to Release Any AEW Talent

After an AEW wrestler informed the company that a WWE representative had contacted them about the possibility of returning to WWE, the company reportedly sent an email to WWE co-CEOs Nick Khan and Stephanie McMahon warning them “not to tamper” with their talent.

Malakai Black has now denied the claims that he wanted to be released from his contract after it was later revealed that he had made a request. After Triple H took over creative duties from Vince McMahon a number of months ago, WWE reached out to numerous members of AEW, including Black, FTR, and Swerve Strickland, to inquire about the possibility of returning to the company.

Dave Meltzer revealed the news that AEW President Tony Khan will not be releasing anyone during his appearance on today’s episode of Wrestling Observer Radio.

“Nobody’s getting released, that’s the doctrine. [AEW President] Tony Khan made that very clear I guess in the last couple of days. So now it’s just, [Malakai Black’s] not being released, Buddy Matthews isn’t being released. Now they may be back sooner than before. They were wanting to go and trying to get a way out.

It’s not to say it’s hard and fast, and there’d be no way they’d never give anybody a release. But I think it’s pretty much the deal that if this happened in any other company, would those people get releases, and the answer is no. They signed the contract, so basically now their option is to sit at home – and [Tony Khan] can extend the contract if they sit at home – or wrestle. So now they’re gonna wrestle. He [Malakai Black] waved goodbye and now he’s coming back and he’s gonna blame me.”

“They really came after [Tony Khan], it’s pretty blatant that [WWE] came after so many of the guys. Basically everyone who had worked there, there might be an exception, every name that you would think of that had a previous relationship with Triple H was contacted and told to ‘try and get your release and come in.’ Several went to Tony and said, ‘they’re contacting us we have no intention of going’ and several said ‘we want the release’ and have been told no.”

You can listen to the audio below:

Source: PWMania

Tony Khan Says Surprises Might Be In Store For Tonight’s Dynamite and Rampage

Tony Khan has continued to hammer home that tonight’s AEW Grand Slam event, featuring a live Dynamite and a Rampage taping, will be a major event. 

During his appearance with Busted Open Radio Wednesday, Khan said he might “have a trick up his sleeve” for tonight’s show, and that surprises might be in store for both Dynamite and Rampage.

He said the event is “the closest thing to a PPV on TV we’re going to get.” Khan also noted that the show is a big value to fans in the area and urged them to come to the show. 

Source: EWrestlingNews

CM Punk Meets With Tony Khan To Determine Future In AEW, Possible Exit From Company, Punishment For Those Involved In The CM Punk/The Elite Altercation

Tony Khan and CM Punk reportedly sat down to talk about his future, including how he might potentially exit the company.

As per a report by Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, CM Punk’s fate — as well as the fate of friend and AEW producer Ace Steel — should be determined by the end of today (Wednesday) and there is a chance Punk is released from his contract, with the minimum punishment for his actions after Sunday’s All Out pay-per-view being a suspension.

Barrasso writes, “Multiple sources have shared that Punk and Ace Steel will either be among those suspended or will no longer be with the company by the end of Wednesday. Punk met with AEW owner Tony Khan on Tuesday, so the two had an opportunity to discuss how that exit could be handled.” In other words, if it is determined that Punk will be gone from AEW, the two didn’t just meet about his employment, but it sounds like there was a discussion about what to do with the title and how to write him out of the promotion.

Barrasso also adds that an external third-party investigation is being conducted which could explain the delay in a decision, but that all of Kenny Omega, Matt and Nick Jackson, Pat Buck, Christopher Daniels, Michael Nakazawa, and Brandon Cutler will be suspended for their role in the physical altercation. None are expected to be at Dynamite tonight. As for Hangman Adam Page — who Punk mentioned by name — , he had already left the building when Punk’s comments were made, thus he was not part of the altercation.

If the meetings went well and the suspensions are served without issue, there is a chance that all parties involved can put what happened past them. If so, the potential to turn this real-life situation into a storyline is there and it could equate to big numbers for AEW. That’s assuming cooler heads will have prevailed and all parties involved are willing to do business.

There is always a chance CM Punk has no desire to stick around after this. If that’s the case, he may elect to leave on his own before he’s told to.

Source: TheSportster

AEW Announces Expansion Of Its Talent Relations And Development Team

AEW made a big announcement Wednesday morning, as owner Tony Khan revealed that four familiar names have been appointed to new talent and developmental-related positions in the company. These include a new face who hadn’t previously been in the AEW fold, as Impact Wrestling veteran Madison Rayne has been hired to help coach the women’s division. In addition, QT Marshall has been named Vice President of Show and Creative Coordination, Tony Schiavone will be a Senior Producer and Special Advisor to Talent, Pat Buck is now the VP of Talent Development, and Christopher Daniels will maintain his role as Manager of Talent Relations. The full press release is below:

AEW ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF TALENT RELATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT TEAM — Roles for Sonjay Dutt, QT Marshall, Pat Buck and Tony Schiavone will Increase Under Expanded Talent Relations Team; Madison Rayne Joining to Coach Women’s Division

August 3, 2022 – AEW CEO, GM and Head of Creative Tony Khan announced an expansion to AEW’s talent relations team with the promotions of key staff members including Sonjay Dutt, QT Marshall, Pat Buck and Tony Schiavone. In addition, Madison Rayne will join AEW as a coach in the women’s division. As AEW continues its meteoric rise, the expanded talent relations team will strengthen the infrastructure required to facilitate the development, health and safety of AEW’s outstanding roster.

The following promotions and additions are effective immediately: Sonjay Dutt (Retesh Bhalla) has been promoted to Vice President of Production and Creative Coordination. In this role, he will coordinate communication of AEW storylines, liaise between post-production and key staff to maintain content workflow, produce ancillary content and mentor new producers. Dutt joined AEW in 2021, bringing more than 20 years of experience in professional wrestling – both in-ring and as a producer – and continues to serve on-screen as manager to Satnam Singh and Jay Lethal.

QT Marshall (Michael Cuellari) has been promoted to Vice President of Show and Creative Coordination. He will help to manage show elements including planning programs and storylines, character development, overseeing extras and live event logistics coordination. Marshall, an AEW original with more than 20 years of experience, will continue to wrestle as the leader of The Factory with Anthony Ogogo, Nick Comoroto, Aaron Solo and Cole Karter.

Pat Buck (Pat Buckridge) has been promoted to Vice President of Talent Development. In this position, he will liaise with talent and production, oversee all coaches, provide input on matches and promos, and lead the talent relations team. Buck brings nearly two decades of experience serving wrestling promotions as a talent, trainer, producer and promoter.

Tony Schiavone has been promoted to Senior Producer and Special Advisor to Talent. In this capacity, he will work directly with talent as part of the Talent Relations team. Schiavone is one of AEW’s most tenured members and has nearly 40 years of experience, with an iconic voice that has guided fans through professional wrestling’s most incredible moments.

Madison Rayne (Ashley Nichole Lomberger) will join AEW as a coach in the women’s division, and kick-off her new role tonight in her hometown of Columbus, Ohio. Madison has competed in numerous professional wrestling promotions where she has held multiple championship titles, including 5-time Women’s World Champion. She has more than 15 years of experience in professional wrestling, and is also a proud mom to a daughter.

Christopher Daniels, an AEW original who brings more than 30 years of industry experience, will continue to serve as Manager of Talent Relations. The Talent Relations team will also remain in close contact with AEW’s Legal and Talent Resources team – led by Margaret Stalvey, Chris Peck and Megha Parekh – who help to support the physical and mental health, safety and security of talent. AEW is also committed to supporting talent beyond the ring, and offers access to world-class physicians, trainers and mental health clinicians.

The news comes in the wake of reports of tension behind the scenes in AEW, as former Ring of Honor World Champion Jonathan Gresham demanded his release from the company, citing lack of communication with Khan. Meanwhile, WWE has also seen a recent shake-up in the talent relations department in the form of Paul Levesque, fka Triple H, whose ascendency has already paid dividends in the form of the returning Dakota Kai.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Tony Khan Reportedly Open to an AEW and WWE Supershow

AEW’s Tony Khan said it was unlikely, but he’d be open to discussing the possibility of a cross-promotional show between his company and WWE.

According to the President of AEW himself, Tony Khan, he’s open to the idea of AEW and WWE working together to put on a supershow, much like he did with NJPW for Forbidden Door. While he admits the idea seems far-fetched, he’s not opposed to it and would be open to discussing with the higher-ups in WWE.

The comments stemmed from a conversation Khan had on the The Ringer’s “The Masked Man Show.” podcast where he was asked about AEW stars appearing on WWE programming recently for the 20-year celebration of John Cena. Khan said he was approached about it and said yes because it was for a good cause. When the follow-up question was about whether he would be open to a pay-per-view with WWE, he didn’t shy away from answering yes.

Khan said, “I’m not sure if that’s gonna happen (AEW and WWE doing a joint show). But, I would be open to talking about that type of thing. It’s not crazy but it’s a bold prediction.”

Like the scene from Dumb and Dumber where Llyod Christmas was told by the female lead that it’s a million-to-one odds she’d ever be interested in him, his response was, “so you’re saying there’s a chance”. AEW and WWE working together seem incredibly unlikely, but Khan is not ruling it out as something worth considering down the line. As for whether WWE would like to pursue it, that might depend on who is in charge. Being a publicly-traded company, every decision is about revenue and the shareholders. If there’s a good financial reason to do so, WWE might be open to it as well.

The question fans will immediately ask is, what matches would make the most sense? Bobby Lashley teased on Raw this week that no one could beat him for his United States Championship, including anyone from another promotion. He seems to be thinking about it already. From there, Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton, Riddle, Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair would be names at the top of WWE’s list. For AEW, CM Punk, Hangman Page, Kenny Omega, Jade Cargill and Britt Baker would be among the more intriguing options.

Source: TheSportster

Tony Khan Releases Official Statement On Jeff Hardy DUI And Status In AEW

Tony Khan and AEW have released an official statement on Jeff Hardy’s DUI and what will happen now with his contract in the company.

AEW has addressed reports that Jeff Hardy was pulled over and charged with a DUI just days prior to his scheduled match on Wednesday’s Dynamite. Speculation was that AEW would be distancing themselves from Hardy and clearly, Wednesday’s Triple Threat tag match is now no longer taking place as originally advertised, but on Tuesday, AEW President Tony Khan has released a statement about the incident and Hardy’s status with the company moving forward.

The statement reads as follows:

“We were able to resume contact with Jeff Hardy this afternoon. AEW does not condone Jeff’s alleged behavior. We’ve made it clear to Jeff we will assist him in getting treatment for substance abuse issues, which he has indicated he’s open to receiving. In the interim, he is suspended without pay, and he can only return to AEW upon successfully completing treatment and maintaining his sobriety.”

The statement goes on to share a help hotline number for anyone who might be dealing with or knows someone dealing with similar issues.

AEW removing him from the active roster and offering help is the key takeaway from this statement from Khan. That the most important thing is to help him get the treatment he clearly needs is glaring at this point. That Hardy has also acknowledged that he needs and is open to getting help is also important. He declined going into rehab when WWE told him it was accept treatment or be released from his contract.

Addiction is clearly an issue for Hardy and it appears to be something he needs help with. AEW requiring he get that help before being able to return to work is the right first step in this whole process. Whether he’s able to maintain his sobriety is another thing and the hope is that he can because there are a lot of fans pulling for Jeff and want to see him back and wrestling again in AEW.

For those who need help with substance abuse issues, please call 1-800-662-HELP.

Source: TheSportster

Update On MJFAEW Situation, MJF And Tony Khan’s Meeting Will Take Place

According to Dave Meltzer on the latest edition of “Wrestling Observer Radio,” MJF and Tony Khan are set to meet tomorrow following the controversy surrounding AEW’s Double Or Nothing weekend.

Problems between the two sides began at the AEW Double or Nothing fan fest this past weekend as MJF no-showed a meet and greet, despite people having bought tickets. While he wasn’t the only wrestler not to appear, Samoa Joe also didn’t turn up, his situation was different as he seemingly knew he was supposed to be there and opted not to appear.

It was then reported that a plane ticket had been purchased for MJF to leave Las Vegas. However, he did not board the aircraft and fulfilled his duties at AEW’s Double Or Nothing where he competed in the opening match against Wardlow. He was defeated in convincing fashion as Wardlow hit a record 10 Powerbombs during his latest symphony of destruction. The win allowed Wardlow to get out of his contract with MJF and officially join the AEW roster, all in storyline, of course. MJF ended up being stretchered to the back.

MJF reportedly turned up just before his match and then left the building immediately after it. During the post-show media scrum, Wrestling Inc. Managing Editor Nick Hausman asked Khan about the MJF situation, but the AEW President declined to comment.

MJF is apparently set to be taken off the road for at least the next couple of weeks by AEW, although the length of his AEW TV absence could be extended.

Tensions between MJF and AEW have been well-known for several months, with the three-time Dynamite Diamond Ring winner having made several comments during interviews and on social media about his frustrations. He has also alluded to the possibility of joining WWE when his contract expires in January 2024.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Tony Khan Says Ring Of Honor Isn’t A Subsidiary Of AEW, Provides Update On Promotion’s Future

Ring Of Honor owner Tony Khan has hinted at what’s in store for the beloved promotion.

Ring Of Honor owner Tony Khan seems pretty adamant that he doesn’t expect ROH to play second fiddle to AEW, the other pro wrestling promotion he owns.

“Is Ring of Honor as big as AEW right now? No. Is it selling as many PPVs? No. But that was incredible growth for Ring of Honor, a company that has over 20 years of history now,” TK said during the May 26 media call to promote AEW Double or Nothing (h/t Wrestling Inc.) “And they sold a ton of PPVs over the years, and that was, of all the shows they’ve promoted, one of the biggest Ring of Honor shows. It was the biggest show by far in years. When we get all the final numbers in, it’s going to be probably 20 times or more than the recent Ring of Honor PPVs. So we’ve been able to rebuild and get Ring of Honor, I think, to a stronger place it’s been in many years.”

Tony Khan announced his acquisition of ROH in the opening segment of the March 2 edition of AEW Dynamite on TBS. During the post-AEW Revolution media scrum on Sunday, March 6, Khan confirmed that he will be booking Ring Of Honor when the beloved promotion returns from hiatus … an event that is yet to occur.

Aside from the Supercard of Honor event — which had been scheduled way before TK finalized his acquisition of the promotion and was referenced by the man himself in the above quote — ROH is yet to return. Ring Of Honor titles have been defended on AEW TV and at various independent shows, but we still don’t know when the company will return to producing weekly shows.

“I would love to get Ring of Honor weekly TV series, or streaming series, wherever it ends up going, very soon,” Khan said in response to a question regarding ROH’s future. “And it’s something I’m working on, and I think it would be awesome for the fans, in addition to the great shows they get from AEW. There are a lot of Ring of Honor fans around the world that can’t wait until the TV comes back. And I am hopeful we’ll have Ring of Honor TV and continue the great calendar of Ring of Honor PPV events. Supercard of Honor was a big success for us, and I’d like to bring Ring of Honor back to PPV as well and follow up on it. I don’t know when the TV will start back up on a weekly basis, but that is my goal, to get it going again. It’s something I’m working on.”

Source: TheSportster