AEW’s Strategy for Booking Loaded Shows with High-Profile Matches Unveiled

AEW has seen lots of development in various avenues over the past five years, and fans know that Tony Khan loves booking loaded shows from time to time. He has been doing the same lately as well and now the reason for that has been revealed.

Next week’s milestone episode of AEW Dynamite will feature MJF squaring off against Will Ospreay for the International Championship, as confirmed during the July 10 episode. This continues Tony Khan’s trend of packing Dynamite with high-profile matches and compelling storylines.

In addition, on the latest AEW Dynamite, Mariah May, winner of the Owen Hart Tournament Final, shocked fans by betraying Toni Storm. This betrayal sets the stage for a showdown at AEW All In, where Mariah May will challenge for the Women’s World Championship against her former mentor.

While speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer talked about why AEW Dynamite has been packed with high-profile matches and storylines recently. He explained that these loaded episodes are strategically timed during ongoing negotiations.

AEW is aiming to showcase its best to bolster its position in these discussions, which involve final payment numbers, securing time slots, and other critical aspects of their operations. Meltzer gave emphasis to the fact that strong ratings can significantly influence these negotiations, explaining the importance of presenting a compelling product, such as next week’s anticipated MJF vs. Will Ospreay match and other impactful segments seen recently on AEW Dynamite.

“The reason that these shows have been so loaded is because the negotiations aren’t done and they’re really looking… To get the best foot forward. Until the contract is signed, if it’s signed, which presumably it will, but these ratings are important as far as the final payment numbers and time slots and all the other stuff that’s going into the negotiations and all aspects of it. If the product looks hot in the ratings it’s gonna help them, that’s why next week’s show is so loaded, that’s why this week’s show is the way it was.”

Even Bryan Danielson defeated Adam Page to win the Owen Hart Cup Tournament finals, so it is clear the company is more than determined to look good in front of Warner Brothers Discovery as much as possible until they secure a new media rights deal. Therefore, it remains to be seen whether Tony Khan’s endeavors will prove to be fruitful in the end.

What do you think of AEW booking high-profile matches to ensure they are in good graces with Warner Brothers Discovery? Do you feel they will be able to secure a solid deal in the end? Let us know in the comments section below!