In a recent media conference call conducted for the promotion of ROH Death Before Dishonor pay-per-view event this weekend, Tony Khan, President of AEW, spoke about the circulating rumors concerning AEW signing a fresh media rights agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery.
Khan, answering a query from Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics, insinuated that representatives of WWE PR have been communicating with the media about the forthcoming media rights contract of AEW.
Below is a rundown of some important points that came up during the podcast:
Concerning WWE disclosing AEW’s media rights deal details: Khan held forth, “I usually don’t do this but since Brandon addressed the matter, here it is. A prominent wrestling media persona brought it to my notice that WWE has been talking about our media rights agreement. I am at a loss about why WWE is divulging such information about our deal. I’m also unsure if they have a right to do so.”
The claim by WWE PR about the deal: “I really can’t fathom the reason behind WWE PR calling individuals and discussing our business affairs. WWE PR is suggesting that the deal is finalized and on par with our earlier arrangement. But that’s not the case. I’m left wondering why WWE PR and some major wrestling media, who are quite credible and have never deceived me, keep repeating this”, said Khan.
The undue interference by WWE PR representatives: “It’s none of their concern, frankly. I’ve observed that WWE PR tends to get their nose into matters that do not concern them. I can confidently say that their claims are utterly false. When we finalize a deal for AEW, it’s going to be a terrific one, marking a substantial increment from previous ones. Despite the hurdles they are creating, we’ve been doing fantastic here and are in a favourable position. Thank you.”
Brandon Thurston tweeted about his interaction with Khan, illustrating the latter’s responses. Thurston asked Khan about the speculations of a renewal deal being locked in principle to which Khan hinted that it’s too early to confirm such reports although a healthy dialogue with WBD is in progress. Thurston also tweeted about Khan’s reaction to WWE PR’s claims about the TV deal being finalized.
IMPORTANT: If you come across any news tips or podcast summaries that you think we should share (credit will be accordingly provided), feel free to drop me an email at [email protected].