Tony Khan’s AEW Worlds End Media Call Highlights for December 22, 2025

AEW President Tony Khan spoke with the wrestling media on Monday, December 22, 2025, to promote Saturday’s AEW Worlds End pay-per-view.

Tony Khan opened the call by saying it’s been a fantastic year for AEW and that AEW Worlds End will close it out on a strong note.

Samantha Schipman asked about Andrade’s status now that he’s appeared in other promotions. Khan said he has great respect for Andrade and that everyone at AEW would like to see him return. He mentioned there’s mutual respect and encouraged people to stay tuned.

Brian Zilem brought up how well-defined Toni Storm’s character is and asked what’s being done to elevate Kris Statlander’s presentation. Khan praised both women, highlighting Statlander’s athletic ability and overall growth. He added that he’s very excited for their AEW Women’s Championship match at Worlds End.

Jim Varsallone asked about MJF’s return and him being placed in a main event spot. Khan said it’s great to have MJF back, calling him one of the top wrestlers and talkers in the industry. He promoted the upcoming AEW World Title match at Worlds End featuring Samoa Joe, MJF, Swerve Strickland, and Hangman Page.

Tony Khan was asked if he’s considered moving the Continental Classic to a different time of year, especially to avoid taping shows and changing TV start times. He explained that the tournament works well during the holiday season, acting as a strong draw for AEW. He also brought up the long history of wrestling during the holidays and said it’s something he personally associates with this time of year. When asked if introducing a women’s tournament could help spread things out by placing one tournament during the holidays and another at a different time, Khan seemed open to the idea.

Rick Ucchino asked why Willow Nightingale and Harley Cameron were chosen as the first AEW Women’s Tag Team Champions. Khan praised both for their hard work and chemistry. He mentioned they bring different experience levels to the team and have been entertaining and reliable both in and out of the ring. He said they’ve earned their place as the first champions.

Tony Khan was asked about the timeline of AEW’s talks with Madison Square Garden regarding hosting the first episode of Dynamite. I pointed out that Carrie Underwood had been booked for MSG on the night AEW ultimately debuted, and asked how that might have affected the show’s launch.

Khan said he had early conversations with someone at MSG in early 2019, back when Tuesday nights were still being considered and the debut date for Dynamite hadn’t been finalized yet. He said he doesn’t believe there was anything shady about how things played out and added that he still maintains good relationships with the people involved.

Bill Pritchard asked about AEW’s position amid speculation involving Netflix and Paramount showing interest in Warner Bros. Discovery. Khan mentioned his strong relationship with WBD. He shared that he had imagined and written out ideas for a show like Dynamite since he was a kid, even doing layouts during school and NFL meetings before AEW became real. He credited WBD executive David Zaslav for suggesting the idea of a second show, which led to the creation of AEW Collision. Khan said he’s focused on continuing to grow AEW and expressed gratitude for working closely with Zaslav and Bruce Campbell.

Mike Johnson asked Tony Khan about his booking approach for the Continental Classic, specifically whether he starts with the end and works backwards, and how factors like Darby Allin’s injury impact things. Khan said he believes the tournament is a great way to close out the year and explained that he begins thinking about it during the summer. He starts mapping out big matches and potential rivalries heading into Full Gear, knowing that injuries can alter plans quickly.

Khan shared that he first sat down with Bryan Danielson to help plan the inaugural tournament, but now he usually works alone, surrounded by papers and ideas. He said he thought last year’s tournament came out better than the first, partly because he’s refined the format. He recalled Juice Robinson’s injury last year, which led to Komander stepping in and making the most of the opportunity. He also mentioned changing the semifinal structure that year.

Khan said Ricochet had a key role last year, and Darby Allin’s injury this year created an even bigger shakeup. He pointed out that the holiday timing helps AEW attract new viewers, giving the tournament extra value beyond just match quality.

Dominic DeAngelo asked Tony Khan to explain exactly what the winner of the Continental Classic receives. Instead of listing everything outright, Khan shifted focus to talk about Kazuchika Okada and praised him as the best tournament wrestler in the world, using Okada as an example of what greatness in a tournament setting looks like.

Josh Nason asked about free agents and pointed out that many wrestlers are choosing to re-sign with their current companies instead of exploring the open market. Khan responded by highlighting some of the talent AEW has added recently, though he didn’t go into much detail.

Kevin Kellam asked Tony Khan about Keith Lee, Danhausen, and Nyla Rose. Khan didn’t give any specific updates on their status and instead shifted focus to the talent featured on the Worlds End card.

In his closing comments, Khan said he was proud of AEW for winning ten year-end awards from Sports Illustrated. He listed each award and said 2025 has been his favorite year working in professional wrestling. He spoke about how much he loves the business and noted that wrestling is always there for fans, even during the holidays. Khan then wrapped up the call.