Ahead of AEW WrestleDream, Tony Khan once again hosted the traditional media call.
On Thursday, October 16, Khan addressed the media to answer questions about the upcoming pay-per-view and the biggest news surrounding the company over the past few weeks. Along with a comment on the recent Andrade contract dispute and the legacy of Antoni Inoki, the AEW President discussed the long-running history between Darby Allin and Jon Moxley, the rise of women’s wrestling on the brand, and how wrestling ratings have changed in the past few weeks.
AEW WrestleDream Media Call Notes:
- Tony is asked about the Andrade news that has been dominating the headlines. Tony echoes his comments that he said back in 2023 when Andrade left and that he has a ton of respect for him, but chose not to elaborate further on the ongoing contract situation.
- Tony hopes that the Tailgate Brawl will become a new tradition for the AEW PPVs. Tony also puts over the St. Louis crowd and the show. When asked about the possibility of more women’s matches being on the show, Tony spoke about women’s wrestling being featured on the show more, especially with mixed tag team matches and the upcoming Blood and Guts special, which looks to be setting up a women’s version of the match.
- When asked about how the show will honour the legacy of Antoni Inoki, which was the inspiration for the first WrestleDream show, Tony puts over the current and former IWGP World Champions such as Konosuke Takeshita and Kazuchika Okada, who will be in action on the show. Tony also believes that the wife of the late Lou Thesz will be at the show.
- When asked about the possibility of a Women’s Continental Classic, Tony says that it will be a wait-and-see scenario.
- Tony was asked about a recent report where there could be an AEW Performance Center in the future, which Tony stated that it is something he is interested in developing in the future. Tony then puts over FTR and Adam Copeland being in AEW.
- Asked about the way that wrestling ratings have been changed as a result of the Nielsen changes, Tony admitted that it was an interesting thing to look at. Tony put over how AEW is having a good year in 2025, but is mindful of how the system has changed.
- Asked about the impact of Samoa Joe in AEW, Tony stated he is a huge fan of Joe both personally and professionally. Tony highlighted Joe’s accomplishments in AEW and ROH, noting that no one has accomplished what he has. Tony also admitted that he would have been surprised if someone told him at the start that one day he would have Samoa Joe on his roster, noting that he is a first ballot Hall of Famer. Tony also spoke about the impact that World Champion Adam Page has had in AEW and his career before signing with the promotion.
- Asked about the Kota Ibushi injury, Tony stated that it was “devastating for many reasons.” Tony also spoke about the match between Ibushi and Okada on Dynamite 300, noting how big the match was for AEW. Tony stated that Ibushi was planned for WrestleDream, but he is excited to have him back, whenever that comes. Also speaking about Swerve Strickland, Tony says that they are eager to have him back, and that the injury should not keep him out for more than a year.
- Asked about how injuries affected the show, Tony confirmed that he did have to change things, but that they are having a great year. Tony also spoke about another notable feud that took place earlier in the year, MJF and Mark Briscoe.
- Asked about a Women’s Blood and Gut match, Tony alluded to the fact that it might happen.
Check out predictions for AEW WrestleDream here.
Featured image: AEW
