Steve Carrier on November 20, 2025
AEW President Tony Khan spoke with the wrestling media on Thursday, November 20, 2025, to promote Saturday’s AEW Full Gear pay-per-view.
Tony Khan was asked if Kris Statlander could become one of AEW’s top women’s stars in the coming years if she beats Mercedes Moné. He responded by saying she already is the top woman in AEW.
Tony Khan called DC “possibly the most significant sponsor” AEW has ever had.
Tony Khan was sked if he could share something fans might not know. He said one of his biggest regrets was not being able to get the Briscoes on AEW television. He said he tried, but it ultimately didn’t happen.
Khan noted that over six-plus years, they’ve probably made hundreds of thousands of decisions. He joked that he wishes he had Timecop technology to go back and change some of them. He added that he tries to take lessons from every show and use them to improve the next one.
Tony Khan was asked about AEW’s future amid all the talk about Warner Bros. Discovery. He said he had to be careful with his words because it involves people’s jobs. Still, he made it clear that AEW has grown alongside WBD and both sides continue to support each other. Khan said AEW is in a great spot right now and he’s very confident about what’s ahead. “It feels like AEW is in an incredibly strong position.”
Tony Khan said the new AEW Continental Champion will defend the title on the December 5 ROH Final Battle show in Columbus, Ohio. This will be the first time an AEW title is defended on a major ROH event.
When asked about AEW’s relationship with the media, Tony Khan said it reminds him of sports—there are people with all kinds of insights, backgrounds, and experience levels. He enjoys talking to media from different outlets and regions, and added that AEW has also strengthened its own PR team.
Tony Khan said they might make some ROH shows free to watch in the future to help bring more attention and new viewers to the brand.
Tony Khan was asked about the big Kazuchika Okada vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi match announcement for Wrestle Kingdom—and why the timing played out the way it did.
Khan explained that the timing was key because Tanahashi was involved in matches with major stakes at the time. He said both AEW and NJPW were really happy with how everything came together and called it an “honor” to work with New Japan on a match of that magnitude. Tony also revealed the idea came up during dinner at Double or Nothing. Both sides agreed it was the perfect chance to create something special for business—and as a tribute to Tanahashi’s legacy.
Tony Khan was asked why AEW and ROH have so many titles, and he said it comes down to the business model, content output, and where revenue comes from—mainly AEW’s TV deal. He pointed out that AEW now has more weekly TV hours and added more women’s titles, but hasn’t made changes to the men’s. He also mentioned the launch of Collision and more pay-per-views as reasons for the expanded title scene.
While he said fewer titles might work for some companies, AEW’s current setup fits their growing schedule. He then listed all the new PPVs and past successes, without directly answering if there are too many belts.
Tony Khan claims Warner Bros. Discovery was very happy with AEW Blood & Guts, and he was glad the match went well without any serious injuries. Tony Khan confirmed there will be another women’s Blood & Guts match in the future, saying the first one “knocked it out of the park.”
Tony Khan said he doesn’t expect another Wrestle Dynasty event to happen in 2026. While he called the last one a success and is open to bringing it back in the future, his focus now is on the strong ticket sales for Wrestle Kingdom.
Tony Khan said he’d love to announce the Continental Classic lineup before Full Gear, but wants to wait and check on everyone’s health after the event. He said last year’s tournament topped the year before and he’s proud of how the Continental Classic has grown. So far, he’s only had to make one injury-related change—replacing Juice Robinson. That concluded the call.
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