AEW head Tony Khan engaged with the media for an extended hour on Thursday, aiming to promote the upcoming edition of Collision as well as this Sunday’s much-anticipated Double or Nothing pay-per-view (PPV) event. The conversation covered various topics, ranging from pay-per-view distribution methods to improvements in AEW Dynamite , and the introduction of women’s Tag Team titles .
Pay-Per-View Distribution
Khan addressed inquiries regarding the pay-per-view distribution capabilities for AEW events on Max . He clarified that there is no current update from Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) about developing PPV buying features on their platform. Khan explained that it was never anticipated that such technology would be operational by Q1 or Q2 of 2025 , emphasizing that the absence of an update does not constitute a delay.
The AEW head chose not to elaborate on Triller and their decision not to offer this weekend’s PPV in the U.S. , pivoting instead to highlight his partnership with Amazon Prime for distribution. This strategic partnership is essential in ensuring that AEW fans can still access content effectively.
Improvements to AEW Dynamite
During the call, Khan was queried about the growing belief that Dynamite has seen creative enhancements. When asked if this could be attributed to new personnel or processes, he confidently stated that he had tightened things up. He humorously noted that fewer people were involved in the decision-making, signaling a shift toward a more streamlined approach. This is a clear nod to previous discussions where he committed to taking more personal control over creative decisions.
While Khan acknowledged that improvement is subjective, he shared data indicating a growth in the AEW audience during Q1, asserting that they are performing “really well” in Q2 as well. He mentioned revisiting his pandemic-era mindset from the days spent at Daily’s Place , showing that he draws inspiration from past success. Furthermore, it’s worth noting that the data for Collision also looks promising, with robust numbers in both Q1 and Q2.
Central to his reflections was the assertion that the current backstage environment is more positive than it has been in recent times. His enthusiasm for work and the locker room’s morale mirrors the vibrant energy of the past when AEW was just gaining momentum.
Other Notes:
- Asked about the potential creation of Women’s Tag Team titles , Khan revealed his larger goals for 2025 but expressed interest in implementing this division at some point. While injuries have affected the men’s tag division, he believes improving this area is also crucial.
- On the topic of Anarchy in the Arena , Khan noted that its exclusion from the main event slot isn’t unusual. He emphasized the importance of the entire card rather than fixating solely on match placement.
- Khan speculated that the audience growth among viewers over 50 years old primarily comes from cable/satellite , while younger fans are more likely engaging through Max . He stated that not having specific data from Max does not concern him, as overall growth remains his primary focus.
Additionally, Khan shared his excitement for Grand Slam Mexico and emphasized that AEW is an excellent platform for nurturing young talent. He took pride in Darby Allin’s recent achievement of climbing Mount Everest , further showcasing AEW’s diverse and inspiring narratives.
For fans interested in more insights, click here to listen to the full call and gain a deeper understanding of the direction AEW is taking.