In a recent episode of “What Happened When”, a podcast hosted by Tony Schiavone, he talked about AEW staging events like ROH Final Battle 2024, Collision, and Dynamite at the iconic Hammerstein Ballroom.
Additionally, Schiavone confirmed that he will not be making the journey to Japan for the NJPW X AEW Wrestle Dynasty 2025 next month.
Following are some of the notable points from the podcast:
About AEW hosting events at the Hammerstein Ballroom: “I was unaware of what to anticipate as it was my first time at the venue. However, knowing its historical significance in hosting wrestling events and especially its connection with ECW, I had some expectations. The crowd response was amazing. Despite the limited capacity and lack of ample locker rooms, everything worked out perfectly. I also had a chance to bring Lois along, who spent the time with our grandchildren in New Jersey. The entire weekend turned out fantastic for us. I hope we can continue to host events at this legendary venue which has significant importance beyond just wrestling. The experience was truly wonderful for us and our matches were well-received. To sum up, yes, I believe it’s something we can continue annually.”
Discussing the role of Jeff Jarrett in AEW: “AEW is extremely fortunate to have someone like Jeff Jarrett. His contributions go beyond his impeccable performances and old-school style promos. His extensive knowledge about wrestling brings a lot of value to us. We are truly lucky to have Jeff Jarrett.”
Discussing his plans for Wrestle Dynasty 2025: “Whilst we are sending some representatives to Japan, I won’t be one of them. It’s not that I am averse to travelling; I had a great time when I visited Japan in 1991 for a show in the [Tokyo] Dome. But, it’s not my call. Whether I travel or not depends on if I’m booked, which is not the case this time. Also, financially, it’s easier for AEW to send me to Dayton, Ohio, than Tokyo, Japan.”