Tony Khan isn’t done with Mexico—and after the success of AEW’s Grand Slam Mexico event, he’s making it clear a return is pretty much locked in.
During his appearance on The Battleground Podcast, Khan opened up about AEW’s historic debut in Mexico and the partnership with CMLL that made it happen. Khan couldn’t hide how important the event at Arena Mexico was, both for AEW as a company and for the roster that grew up idolizing Lucha Libre.
“Absolutely, that was a fantastic show and it was huge for us for many reasons. It was just a great, fun event, the fans had a great time, and it did very, very well on television. It was the most-watched episode of AEW since last year — and that was before the simulcast. So, you know, based on our TBS data, this was the most-watched AEW show on cable in nearly a year, and in a lot of the key demographics, most-watched AEW show in over a year.”
Khan went on to explain that when you add in the streaming numbers, the show’s reach gets even more impressive.
“And when you factor in the streaming viewership, I think this was the most-watched AEW program in a long time — long over a year, maybe years. And it’s one of our best shows ever, one of our best perceived shows ever.”
But for Khan, it wasn’t just about the numbers. The moment meant something personal—not just to him, but to AEW’s talent who grew up respecting the Lucha Libre legacy.
“We went into a new market, working with great partners, the first AEW show we’ve ever done in Mexico — and it was a great event. The wrestling was awesome, the partnership is awesome, and there’s definitely a possibility, I think, of doing this again. It’s almost a virtual certainty we’re going to have a return to Mexico.”
Khan called Arena Mexico one of the most legendary venues in all of wrestling, saying the event was special for the entire locker room.
“We’ve got a great relationship with CMLL — they own and operate this cathedral of pro wrestling, which is Arena Mexico. And we had a fantastic event in Arena Mexico. It meant so much to so many of the wrestlers to go there, because myself and so many of the AEW stars were big fans of Lucha Libre. And the preeminent arena in Lucha is absolutely Arena Mexico. It’s one of the greatest buildings, one of the greatest venues in all of pro wrestling, and it made a great home for AEW Dynamite this past Wednesday.”
Khan wrapped up by promising the AEW-CMLL relationship is just getting started.
“It was a fantastic, fantastic event and I can’t wait to go back for another Grand Slam Mexico — and hopefully many great events to come under the umbrella of CMLL working with AEW.”
AEW’s first step into Mexico may have been a gamble—but with big TV numbers and a sold-out crowd at Arena Mexico, Khan’s betting on more to come.
What do you think—should AEW keep expanding internationally with shows like Grand Slam Mexico? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
