What significant milestone is AEW’s "Dynamite" set to achieve? What comparisons can be drawn between "Dynamite" and WCW’s "Monday Nitro"? In what ways did Tony Khan highlight the influence of "Nitro" on modern wrestling? What are some key matches and events happening in the upcoming "Dynamite"? How does the new streaming deal with Warner Bros. Discovery impact AEW’s reach?
All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and its weekly Wednesday night show “Dynamite” are set to pass a major milestone in the pro wrestling world.
The April 16 episode of “Dynamite” on TBS will mark the show’s 289th, meaning it has officially aired longer than the 288 episodes produced by WCW’s “Monday Nitro,” which aired on fellow Turner network TNT from 1995-2001.
“It had a major influence on anyone that was watching wrestling at that time,” AEW president, CEO and general manager Tony Khan said of “Nitro” in an interview with Variety. “Some of the real highlights of ’90s professional wrestling happened on that show.”
“Nitro” is one of the most important shows in wrestling history, having fueled the so-called Monday Night Wars against WWE and “Monday Night Raw” in the mid-1990s. A dedicated fan and student of pro wrestling, Khan in particular praised early “Nitro” storylines like “Macho Man,” Randy Savage’s feud with Ric Flair and the appearance of Lex Luger in the show’s debut as key moments in “Nitro’s” history beyond the formation of the NWO.
“You know, a common misconception is that WCW really picked up and started getting really hot when the NWO started, but the company had already gotten really hot when the NWO came in,” he said. Khan went on to say that many matches on “Nitro” featured a style of wrestling that was not something typically seen in the U.S. at the time, but that giving it a spotlight on the show has influenced generations of wrestlers since.
“There was a lot of really great athletes, and some of the highest flying, fastest-paced pro wrestling you could find of the era,” he said. “And I think that style has really evolved and risen to the top. The top pro wrestlers in the world aren’t necessarily 400 or 500-pound people anymore.”
And while “Nitro” aired its last episode nearly two decades before the launch of “Dynamite” on TNT (and later TBS), the two shows do share one major common factor.
“There were so many great moments with Sting [on ‘Nitro’],” Khan said. “Sting is a huge part of AEW, and long before there ever was an AEW, Sting was wrestling on TBS and TNT for many, many years… A lot of my favorite memories watching wrestling on TBS and TNT involved Ric Flair and Sting.”
“Dynamite” will originate from Boston on Wednesday with a special “Spring BreakThru” theme. The show will feature matches like AEW Trios champions the Death Riders (Jon Moxley, PAC, and Claudio Castagnoli) taking on The Opps (Samoa Joe, Katsuyori Shibata, and HOOK). Elsewhere on the card, multiple matches will be contested as part of the Owen Hart Cup tournament, including Hangman Page versus a Wild Card Entrant, Will Ospreay versus Konosuke Takeshita, and Athena versus Mercedes Moné.
AEW is also a few months into their new rights deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, which saw AEW programming stream live on Max for the first time. Khan praised WBD head David Zaslav for the new deal, saying Zaslav personally told him, “I really want AEW here, I believe in AEW.”
“He’s given us that opportunity to, not only continue to hit this great milestone this week, but also reach this new audience with Max, which I believe is a huge part of the future,” Khan said.
AEW Boss Tony Khan Talks ‘Dynamite’ Surpassing ‘Nitro’ Episode Count
In a historic landmark moment for All Elite Wrestling (AEW), the popular weekly wrestling program "Dynamite" has officially surpassed the episode count of WCW’s legendary "Monday Nitro." This achievement not only signifies a remarkable milestone for AEW but also a pivotal moment in the broader landscape of professional wrestling history, harkening back to the days of the Monday Night Wars. AEW’s founder and CEO, Tony Khan, recently sat down for an exclusive interview to discuss the significance of this achievement, what it represents for the wrestling industry as a whole, and his vision for the future of AEW.
The milestone was reached as "Dynamite" continues to gain traction both in viewership and cultural relevance, with the show providing a platform for innovative storytelling and diverse wrestling styles. Khan, who has been an outspoken advocate for the revival of professional wrestling’s golden era, sees this achievement not just as a number, but as a validation of AEW’s commitment to elevating the industry. "Surpassing Nitro’s episode count is more than just a statistic for us; it’s a testament to our hard work, dedication, and the passionate fanbase that has supported us since day one," Khan remarked.
A Nod to Wrestling History
"Dynamite," which premiered on October 2, 2019, quickly became a counter-force to WWE’s flagship program, "Raw." For over a year, the two companies engaged in an intense ratings battle, reminiscent of the 1990s clash between WWE and WCW. "Nitro" was instrumental in shaping the modern era of wrestling, introducing concepts like the celebrity crossover, the nWo storyline, and more. For Khan, AEW’s surpassed episode count is a vindication of the spirit and competition that originally fueled the Monday Night Wars.
Khan acknowledged the profound significance of wrestling history in shaping AEW’s narrative. He remarked, "When I think about the legacy of ‘Nitro,’ I remember how it revolutionized television wrestling. We wanted to innovate while honoring the past, and to surpass a show like that is both an honor and a challenge." Khan’s love for wrestling history is evident, as he often references past legends and iconic moments, which adds depth to AEW’s programming.
The AEW Brand Evolution
With "Dynamite" now boasting more episodes than "Nitro," Khan shared insights into his vision for the AEW brand moving forward. The company has grown from its inception as an alternative wrestling promotion to a robust player in the industry with a diverse roster, multiple events, and a global fanbase. The success of "Dynamite" has paved the way for spinoff programs like "Rampage" and "Collision," further solidifying AEW’s place in the weekly wrestling routine for fans.
Khan expressed his commitment to maintaining quality over quantity. "While it’s exciting to hit this mark, what truly matters is how we engage with our audience. We strive for compelling storytelling and athleticism. We’re not just focused on the number of episodes; we aim to create memories and develop characters that resonate."
Fan Engagement and Digital Presence
Khan is particularly optimistic about AEW’s continued growth in the realm of fan engagement and digital content. The promotion has leveraged social media platforms and streaming services effectively, reaching fans who may not be traditional wrestling viewers. As AEW’s digital presence expands, Khan discussed how the company will continue to utilize platforms to promote their episodes and interact with fans. "We’ve seen a shift in how fans consume wrestling content. Engaging with them where they are is crucial. Our fans are part of the story we tell, and that’s something we always want to prioritize."
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Aspirations
Even as AEW celebrates this milestone, Khan remains aware of the challenges that lie ahead. Competing in an industry dominated by established brands like WWE requires constant innovation and adaptation. Khan stated, "We must never rest on our laurels. Wrestling evolves, and so must we. The fans are savvy—they know what appeals to them, and we need to respond to that."
Khan’s vision for AEW is forward-thinking, focusing on expanding their reach while staying true to the elements that have made "Dynamite" a success. From developing homegrown talent to producing larger-scale events, the trajectory is clear: AEW aims to not only compete but also redefine the standards of professional wrestling.
In conclusion, surpassing "Nitro" in episode count is a significant achievement for AEW, reflecting its growth and the dedication of its fanbase. As Tony Khan continues to lead the way, one can only anticipate the next milestones that lie ahead in the vibrant world of professional wrestling. The stage is set for AEW to not only honor the past but also to carve out its legacy in the annals of wrestling history.
Tony Khan, the president of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), recently discussed the milestone of “Dynamite” surpassing the episode count of the legendary wrestling show “Nitro.” This achievement marks a significant moment in AEW’s history, reflecting its growth and impact on the wrestling industry. Khan emphasized the hard work and dedication of the AEW team in reaching this point and how it honors the legacy of professional wrestling while continuing to innovate and entertain fans. The increasing viewership and engagement with “Dynamite” demonstrate AEW’s commitment to delivering high-quality content to its audience.