Following the ROH Final Battle 2024 post-event press engagement, queries were posed to Tony Khan, who presides over both ROH and AEW about the likelihood of Ring Of Honor obtaining a television contract and its continued presence on WatchROH.com.
In addition, discussion points included the comeback of Bandido in ROH and the prospect of conducting more events at the esteemed Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City.
Below are some significant points from the podcast:
On the potential of a TV contract for ROH: “We’ve engaged in promising conversations around this. It’s a valid point, Mike. I remain quite enthused about our accomplishments on WatchROH.com. Since assuming leadership a few years back, we’ve grown our viewership significantly. My focus will largely be directed towards what I refer to as the mother of all simulcasts – the launch of AEW. Apart from our regular Wednesday wrestling on TBS and Saturday on TNT, the simulcast will attract new viewership to AEW, creating additional opportunities for ROH.”
On the notification by Warner Bros. Discovery about AEW content on Max: “The major announcement yesterday by Warner Brothers Discovery highlights that a wealth of AEW content, including live shows and a gradually expanding library, will be coming. With a wealth of wrestling content accumulated over the past five or more years, AEW will build an impressive content library. Additionally, the rich history of ROH reinforces the value of its library. We’re producing premium shows like tonight’s and looking forward to the TV unveiling on Thursday. I can assure you, opportunities are in the offing, though I can’t exactly pinpoint the stage we’re at. However, we’ve made significant strides with ROH and AEW brands. It’s a thrilling time for our company and our wrestling family.”
On Bandido’s reappearance in ROH: “His return was thrilling. When ROH came under my stewardship, Bandido was the reigning champion, and we had a match to crown the undisputed ROH Champion. Bandido, who missed the 2021 Final Battle due to COVID and saw the crowning of an interim champion, was the lineal champion then. Collaborating with Bandido during Supercard, my inaugural event, was an honor. When AEW was launched, I intended to sign Bandido. However, he chose ROH and rose to become a prominent World Champion. His fortunes changed, and he’s a valuable asset to both AEW and ROH with his surprise return in New York.”
On acquiring rights to use Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York” for a match involving Chris Jericho: “Considering Chris Jericho is the King of New York, it was apt to use ‘New York, New York’ for his championship match entrance. It added a special touch to the presentation at the city that never sleeps. Playing that song was a stellar moment and a significant part of the Final Battle.”
On a future return to Hammerstein Ballroom: “Yes, I am thrilled about the prospect of returning to ROH and debuting AEW here tomorrow night on TNT. A return to Hammerstein with both ROH and AEW would be incredible. Today marked my inaugural visit to this building, and we’ll spend the entire weekend here, but it’s pretty certain we’d like to return.”
On the exceptional Hammerstein experience: “This has been an unforgettable experience. The debut of ROH at Hammerstein, followed by the excitement of AEW’s debut scheduled for tomorrow, have been crucial milestones. I look forward to returning here. The inaugural event was significant to the wrestling family, celebrating Final Battle at this venue with such a rich tradition in pro wrestling was phenomenal.”