Tony Khan Talk about the global expansion of AEWtheir strategic alliances And how it continues growing and consolidating in the wrestling industry. The founder and president of the elite house talks about all in a recent interview with Raj Prashad De Yahoo Sports Uncrowned.
► “Where the best fight”
“I was looking for something that expressed AEW's philosophy, and explaining why AEW is such a unique company and why wrestling fans should see it. I thought about the phrase: 'AEW is where the best fight'. I think it is a very true statement and that summarizes what we are trying to do here. In 2025, AEW fans are very happy with the shows, and I think the perception is that this motto accurately represents our proposal. ”
► AEW's impulse
“It has to be something very special to capture the public and maintain their interest. That is why AEW has managed to increase his audience this year. We grew up in cable from the fourth quarter, while we built our simultaneous transmissions when we started broadcasting in HBO Max. We also grew up in the second quarter. We have seen that it continues to grow on Wednesdays with Dynamite in TBS and on Saturdays with Collision in TNT. It has been forming a snowball that does not stop making impulse.”
► International alliances
“We have been able to bring great fighters around the world thanks to our incomparable alliances. Work with incredible promoters like New Japan Pro Wrestling and CMLL -What are leaders in their markets- it allows us to present our fighters in those territories and, in addition, bring the big international stars. We have been able to build the best talent billboard in the world because our shows have been constantly excellent. I think 2025 has been AEW's best year: television and PPVs have been tremendous.”
► AEW in Mexico
“The first AEW show in Arena Mexico was a massive success. It was a great collaboration with CMLL, who owns and operator of the enclosure. It was very significant to invite us to introduce us there. The show was fantastic, a will to the spirit of wrestling fans worldwide, especially the live fans of Mexico. He reinforced AEW's audience, and was the most watched event in a long time. CMLL fans were incredibly friendly with AEW and our fighters. Without a doubt, the door is open to return to Mexico. We all want to return to Arena Mexico.”
► Forbidden Door 2025
“Every year, Forbidden Door took place in an iconic enclosure in one of the best wrestling cities in the world, and This year will be the biggest so far. It is already one of the most collection events in the history of AEWand it will be huge thanks to the collaboration with our friends from New Japan Pro Wrestling. ”
► Arena 2300 of Philadelphia
“I went there when I was 13 years old, from Illinois to Philadelphia with my father to see wrestling. It was the first time I went to a show outside my hometown, Champaign. He opened my eyes, and it was also the first time I met my friends for the exchange of fight tapes. In 1996 it was not common for you to meet your Internet friends, but I did. Now, almost 30 years later, they are AEW fans! And it will be the first time that AEW is presented at 2300 arena. I am very excited about that. “
AEW’s official commercial for their 2300/ECW Arena residency this August & September. Narrated by Taz featuring old school Ring of Honor clips.
“WE WILL BRING TRUE PRO WRESTLING BACK TO THE EXTREME.” 🔥 pic.twitter.com/dey2ShYTTA
— Drainmaker (@DrainBamager) May 6, 2025
► All In Texas 2025
“It is the largest show we have tried in the United States. We will have the largest live audience on American soil, and it will also be our first PPV in Texas. I am very excited, because Texas fans are usually the loudest and most passionate we have. It will be a fantastic event, and I think it has the potential to be the best event in the history of AEW. ”
► Swerve Strickland
“He arrived at AEW with a great reputation as an excellent fighter, and has become an even bigger star. Every year he has participated in some of AEW's most important fighting, and his star continues to grow. He is one of the most workers, respected by his colleagues, and has become one of the most exciting figures of current Wrestling.”
► Toni Storm
“After Queen of the Ring filmed in 2023, he was looking for a new story, a new presence. I gave him a list of classic movies and asked him if he had seen them. Some of those protagonists reminded me of her, and wanted him to bring that essence to the ring. Thus 'Timeless' Toni Storm was born, and it is something completely real. He has an incredible scenic presence, and is, above all, a great fighter with a lot of global experience. I wanted to exploit that 'something' that was always inside her, and now she has perfected it. He is a great wrestling champion and a classic film star, all in one person. ”
► AEW and 2025
“Wrestling is unique: it is the only sport that runs 52 weeks a year without pause. And when you have impulse like the one we now have in AEW, it is great to take advantage of it. We always expect with emotion the next show, because we have been doing great things constantly. I do not want to give it for granted. I love wrestling and I like to live the moment. I am very proud of the high level that AEW has achieved and maintains week by week in 2025.”
