In an severe media briefing previous the fantastically anticipated ROH Death Before Dishonor event, Tony Khan, the President of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), launched a fervent protection towards what he deems as misleading practices by using WWE. The focal point of his grievance revolves across the ongoing speculation and reports regarding AEW’s media rights cope with Warner Bros Discovery (WBD), which is about to run out in 2024.
Khan’s confrontation comes in opposition to the backdrop of swirling rumors and conflicting reviews concerning AEW’s future broadcasting preparations. On July twenty third, SEScoops mentioned that an “agreement in precept” were reached among AEW and WBD. According to this document, the new deal might see AEW’s content material, along with nine planned pay-per-view activities in 2024, migrating to the MAX streaming platform. This information sparked optimism amongst fans and enterprise insiders about the promotion’s developing media footprint.
However, the exhilaration became tempered via a subsequent file which cast doubt on the veracity of the meant settlement. This record counseled that while a deal turned into anticipated, no formal settlement had but been finalized. To similarly complicate topics, it become stated that Tony Khan turned into scheduled to fulfill with WBD’s CEO, David Zaslav, in Paris at some stage in the Olympics, including another layer of uncertainty to the negotiations.
In a dramatic turn, Khan addressed the media on the eve of ROH Death Before Dishonor, expressing his frustration over WWE’s involvement in the discourse surrounding AEW’s media rights negotiations. During the call, Khan was questioned by Brandon Thurston about the swirling speculation. In response, Khan criticized WWE’s public relations team for what he characterized as interference in AEW’s business affairs.
Khan’s remarks were pointed and vehement. “I don’t usually do this, but since Brandon brought it up and asked,” Khan began, “I had a major member of the wrestling media mention to me yesterday that WWE is telling people about our media rights deal. I don’t know why WWE is telling people about our media rights deal. I don’t know whether it’s any of their business.”
He continued, “I don’t really understand why WWE PR calls people and talks about my business. WWE PR is telling people that the deal is done and that the deal is done at the same level that it was going to be our previous deal. That’s not the case. I don’t know why WWE PR and why major wrestling media members, who are very credible and never lied to me, I don’t know why they are telling people that. It’s none of their business.”
Khan’s frustration was palpable as he elaborated on his position. “I think WWE PR really gets involved in a lot of things they shouldn’t get involved in. I can tell you that is very untrue. When we make a deal for AEW, it’s going to be a great deal with a big increase over what we’ve been doing. We’re in a really good position and have been doing great business here despite what they’re trying to do to us. Thanks.”
The ROH Death Before Dishonor event is slated for July 26th, featuring a high-stakes ROH World Title match between Mark Briscoe and Roderick Strong. The event will undoubtedly attract considerable attention, not only for its matches but also for the backdrop of heightened tension between AEW and WWE.
H/t to Fightful
