Tony Khan’s AEW Worlds End Media Call: Roster Cuts, Move to MAX, Ricochet’s Character, More

AEW President Tony Khan spoke to the wrestling media on December 27, 2024, to promote the AEW Worlds End pay-per-view happening this Saturday. Here’s a summary of the updates:

Tony Khan began the call by expressing excitement about the upcoming week for AEW. He highlighted AEW Collision’s viewership numbers, though he didn’t mention the college football playoff game lead-in, and also discussed the Fight for the Fallen show.

Jon Alba asked about Ricky Starks, and Tony Khan responded with a cryptic tease, saying you never know who might show up in the mother of all simulcasts, hinting at Fight for the Fallen.

When asked if Dynamite and Collision will remain two-hour shows under AEW’s new deal with WBD, Tony Khan confirmed that’s the plan. He noted the flexibility they have with overruns but made it clear that the core shows will stick to the two-hour format.

Tony Khan was asked about Kyle Fletcher and had nothing but praise for him. Khan called Fletcher a bright star for AEW in 2024 and confidently stated he’ll be a key part of the promotion for years to come.

The next question focused on Tony Khan’s role as a booker in 2025. Khan highlighted the success of the Continental Classic and emphasized that AEW has delivered some of its best pay-per-view events, even without several top stars. He praised the unparalleled consistency of their pay-per-views and said their most recent television shows have been among the best they’ve ever produced.

Amy Nemmity asked Tony Khan about the AEW World Championship four-way match at Worlds End. Khan highlighted the reigning champion Jon Moxley and his challengers Hangman Page, Jay White, and Orange Cassidy, sharing his excitement for the high-stakes clash.

Alex Hunt inquired about the Continental Classic tournament and the decision to include semifinal matches instead of going straight to the finals at Worlds End. Khan expressed pride in everyone’s efforts to make the tournament a success. He touted the two semifinal matches—Kazuchika Okada vs. Ricochet and Kyle Fletcher vs. Will Ospreay—calling them tremendous showcases that set the stage for an incredible final. He explained that having league winners face the opposite league’s runner-up creates fresh matchups and adds a layer of intrigue to the tournament.

Samantha Shipman asked Tony Khan about the possibility of a women’s Continental Classic tournament as early as next year. Khan praised the strength of AEW’s women’s division, noting that 2024 featured some of their best women’s matches. He acknowledged that injuries have impacted the division but expressed strong interest in holding such a tournament once everyone is healthy, calling it an exciting opportunity with great potential.

Bill Pritchard inquired about AEW Rampage’s future and how its storylines will fit into AEW’s evolving plans. Khan emphasized that the new media rights deal, which includes simulcasting on Max alongside TBS and TNT, is a major win for AEW. He revealed that the agreement brought significantly higher rights fees compared to AEW’s first five years and enables them to focus on Dynamite and Collision.

Khan explained that with Rampage remaining part of the lineup, the primary focus will shift to the four hours of Dynamite and Collision, especially after successfully launching Collision as a two-hour prime-time show. He highlighted how the increased fees have positioned AEW on the path to profitability, with aspirations to be one of the most successful pro wrestling companies ever “on the bottom line.” Khan credited AEW’s investments in talent, TV production, technology, and international growth for getting them to this point and said the new deal marks the next chapter in their journey.

Khan noted that Rampage has been a valuable show, but the focus for now will be on making Dynamite and Collision even stronger. He expressed excitement about pro wrestling’s leap into streaming and AEW’s pivotal role in that transition.

Josh Nason asked Tony Khan if there would be any staff or talent cuts now that AEW is losing over 50 hours of television per year. Khan acknowledged it as a valid question but said he couldn’t definitively answer how the company would handle the adjustment. He emphasized that AEW is now being paid significantly more to produce four hours of television compared to the previous five-hour schedule. Khan reiterated that it’s a fair question to consider and assured that the company will evaluate their approach while pointing out the great opportunities ahead.

Brian Zilem brought up Jaime Hawn’s allegations against AEW and its legal team, but Tony Khan declined to comment, thanking him for asking.

Stu Myrick asked about potential changes to next year’s Continental Classic. Khan expressed satisfaction with the current format and said he’d be happy to stick with it going forward.

Brandon Thurston inquired about AEW’s television ratings and attendance trends. Khan reiterated the importance of AEW’s new television deal and highlighted Collision’s ratings on Saturdays, again omitting mention of its lead-in. He shared optimism about strong numbers for the Christmas night Dynamite, recalling Rampage’s solid performance on Christmas night a few years ago. Khan said he believes AEW’s recent television output has been the best all year.

Rich Fann asked about innovations on Max and whether AEW plans to share its ratings data. Khan explained that ratings information is controlled by Warner Bros. Discovery and that AEW might not receive streaming data as quickly or as comprehensively as it does for traditional television. Regarding innovations, Khan emphasized consistency and said they’re focused on finding a strong formula for success.

John Pollock asked Tony Khan about Collision moving to the soon-to-be-rebranded USA Network in Canada and whether it’s tied to a new deal. Khan confirmed they had productive negotiations in Canada and announced an extension with Dynamite on TSN. He noted AEW’s strong performance in Canada, frequently ranking as the top wrestling show in key demographics. While they explored offers from various suitors for Dynamite, Khan said they ultimately stuck with TSN due to a strong rights increase and terms they favored, even though another offer was highly appealing.

Arunava Ghoshal asked about Ricochet’s recent developments. Khan chuckled, remarking on Ricochet’s “adjusted” attitude. He explained that Ricochet has taken shortcuts, and fans are starting to see him in a new light, which was intentional. Khan noted that they anticipated Ricochet wouldn’t be cheered against Brody King, Darby Allin, and Will Ospreay, so he leaned into the shift. Khan highlighted Ricochet’s victory in the gold league of the Continental Classic tournament as part of the plan.

Tony Khan closed the call by reflecting on the exciting opportunities ahead. He expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming pay-per-view and the historic first simulcast, which he called one of AEW’s most significant moves since launching on TNT and transitioning Dynamite to TBS. While acknowledging it won’t affect existing fans much, Khan said it creates new opportunities to attract fresh viewers. He confirmed there will be a media scrum after Worlds End and wrapped up by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.