Below are highlights from the AEW Worlds End Media Call with AEW CEO, President and General Manager Tony Khan.
When asked about if Ricky Starks will ever return to AEW, Khan fans will have to stay tuned for who will be part of the future of AEW and that who is involved “remains to be seen.”
With Rampage gone, Khan was asked if he expects to make roster cuts, given that he will lose those extra hours of yearly TV. Khan said that was a fair question. He was not able to provide an answer on how they plan to accommodate that. Khan confirmed both Collision and Dynamite will still remain at two hours each.
When asked about obtaining viewership data from Warner Bros. Discover for the live Max simulcasts of Dynamite and Collision, he said that he did not think he would get the same amount of information about Max viewership as he does from traditional cable. He went on to say that he hopes to be able to get good data and insight for himself and the media.
Khan put a lot of emphasis on the live Max simulcasts and thinks that they can attract new viewers that way and added that it is a “huge opportunity” for AEW. He also noted the new new media rights deal was important for AEW financially and the focus is the four hours of weekly hours of TV. He closed out his comments by saying AEW will be much better off with the new deal.
He said he could not address any of the recent allegations about AEW management from Jaime Hawn.
When asked about asked how the the creative structure will be going forward, Khan said is it going to be the same leadership they have had.
The format change of the Continental Classic semifinals and final format change for this year was asked about. Khan said he felt it would add to the PPV as well as add another positive aspect to the tournament. With regard to a women’s Continental Classic, he said the women’s division is strong and that there is potential for a tournament, but its an issue with scheduling and injuries in the women’s division.
When asked about AEW’s new Canadian TV deals, Khan said they had talks, multiple “great” offers and interest for AEW’s product which included TSN (Dynamite) and Collision airing on the Canadian version of the USA Network. He added that the deal they signed included what they liked better which was the option of staying with TSN.
Source: F4WOnline