Tony Khan AEW Revolution media call: Jeff Hardy & Cesaro, Cody, streaming service
AEW president Tony Khan appeared on a media call today discussing this Sunday’s Revolution event, Cody Rhodes, free agents, and more.
Regarding the big announcement:
Khan opened the media call by taking a question regarding tonight’s big announcement on Dynamite. Khan did not offer new information, but emphasized that it would be good for both AEW and pro wrestling.
Streaming service:
When asked if a streaming service for AEW content was in the plans, Khan said that it is “absolutely” something that they were looking at, saying it would be good for the fans and the younger fanbase. He mentioned that streaming was more a part of younger people’s lives.
On Cody Rhodes:
Khan reiterated his appreciation for Cody and Brandi Rhodes and wished them the best. When asked why he didn’t pick up Cody’s extension, Khan said that he was looking for a longer deal beyond the option years, but negotiations fell through and were unable to come to terms for a new deal.
Later, when asked if Revolution will do well without Cody, Khan mentioned that Cody wasn’t on this past year’s All Out event and that did well, and pay-per-views without Cody have done well before.
Jeff Hardy and Cesaro:
Khan said it wasn’t a “foregone conclusion” that Jeff Hardy would be signing with the company. He said he likes Jeff Hardy but he is obligated to “another company” for a few more days. Khan said that Hardy was a nice person, would fit in well, and he would love to have him.
When Cesaro’s name was brought up, Khan praised him as a great athlete with amazing strength, and is a name that he is open to bringing in.
Growth:
When a question was asked about African American viewership ratings and how they were low compared to WWE, Khan said that they want to be consistent in growing that audience and mentioned Jade Cargill getting a big push and diversity with champions and talent as examples of growing that audience.
Dave Meltzer asked a question about heading into 2023 and 2024 being stronger as a company ahead of TV deal negotiations. Khan said that they were looking to do that, pointing out AEW’s success on cable television and has experienced growth year over year. He said that TBS and TNT were happy with AEW’s performance.
Managing the roster:
Regarding handling the number of people on the roster, Khan emphasized the deal with TNT that gave them a third hour of wrestling with Rampage. He mentioned that it helped “tremendously”, and as a result are able to feature both established and younger talent.
On AEW Revolution:
Khan agreed with a question asking if Revolution 2022 would set the stage for the year, saying that they always try to put on strong pay-per-views.
While he was open to the idea of Britt Baker vs. Thunder Rosa to close out Revolution, Khan said that the Adam Cole vs. Hangman Adam Page match would close out the show on Sunday. He said that choosing the match order is something he puts a lot of effort into and finds it challenging.
Khan also put over the events that are being held this weekend beyond Revolution, including the concert by Mikey Ruckus, the fan fest, and AEW Dark tapings. He also mentioned that RJ City is in Orlando to create content.
The upcoming video game:
Regarding the AEW video game, Khan said that talent were recording voice tracks this week and content is being worked on for Dark regarding fan reactions. He said that more updates would hopefully take place soon.
On touring:
Khan said that AEW is definitely looking forward to more shows in the west coast. He mentioned that most venues they have been running were a result of shows they had to postpone during the pandemic. Regarding the United Kingdom, Khan mentioned that they were “absolutely” looking at UK dates, bringing up Craven Cottage as a venue he would like to run.
Regarding the move from the MGM Grand to the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas for this year’s Double or Nothing, Khan said they were looking for bigger, modern arenas for bigger shows, mentioning that he was looking forward to the challenge.
Trios titles:
When a question was brought up regarding the idea of trios titles, Khan said he thinks there is a lot of interest, and he is interested as well. He said he wanted to be blunt with his response, saying that he would be more interested in the idea when Kenny Omega returns from injury, saying Omega would make the division much stronger. He said AEW could have the best trios division anyone has ever had, and would love Kenny Omega to be part of that.
Revolution, which takes place on March 6, has the following card:
- Hangman Adam Page vs. Adam Cole for the AEW World Championship
- CM Punk vs. MJF in a dog collar match
- Britt Baker vs. Thunder Rosa for the AEW Women’s World Championship
- A Face of the Revolution ladder match featuring Keith Lee, Wardlow, Powerhouse Hobbs, Ricky Starks, Orange Cassidy, and one more person to be determined
- Chris Jericho vs. Eddie Kingston
- Bryan Danielson vs. Jon Moxley
- Jurrassic Express vs. reDRagon vs. a team to be determined for the AEW World Tag Team titles
- Andrade El Idolo, Matt Hardy, and Isiah Kassidy vs. Darby Allin, Sting, and Sammy Guevara in a tornado trios match
- Jade Cargill vs. Tay Conti for the AEW TBS Championship
Listen to the audio from today’s call here: