In one of his latest “What Happened When” podcast episodes, Tony Schiavone shared insights into AEW’s decision to host the ROH Final Battle 2024, Collision, and Dynamite at the Hammerstein Ballroom.
Schiavone also confirmed that he will not be making the journey to Japan for the upcoming NJPW x AEW Wrestle Dynasty 2025.
Here are some notable excerpts from the podcast:
Regarding AEW’s events at the Hammerstein Ballroom: “I didn’t have any expectations; it was my first time there. But I was aware of the wrestling events held there previously, including ECW. I found the crowd to be highly responsive and even though the venue is quite small with limited backstage space, it worked well. Accompanied by my wife Lois, who spent time with our grandchildren in New Jersey, we had a great weekend there. I think it’s something we can make a yearly tradition, given the Ballroom’s notable reputation beyond wrestling. The experience at the Manhattan Center and the 34th was fantastic and I believe we delivered some pretty good matches.”
On the significance of Jeff Jarrett to AEW: “Having Jeff Jarrett in AEW is a stroke of luck for us. On top of being a solid performer and an expert in classic promo, he possesses such deep understanding of the business. We consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have him.”
Regarding his absence at Wrestle Dynasty 2025: “Indeed, AEW is sending representatives to Japan, but I won’t be among them. Although I wouldn’t mind, I fondly remember my trip to Japan in 1991 for a major event at the Tokyo Dome. Whether I get to go or not isn’t up to me, but as it stands, I’m not scheduled to be there. A flight to Dayton, Ohio is understandably more affordable for AEW than one to Tokyo, Japan.”