Image: AEW
During a Thursday media call, AEW head Tony Khan talked about the contract situation with Andrade El Idolo (somewhat) in addition to the new ratings system, injury updates to two stars, potentially two Blood & Guts matches, and more.
The full audio from the call can be found below.
Andrade
Asked about the Andrade contract situation, Khan didn’t directly answer the question, even when offered the chance to do so on a follow-up. Khan said he has a ton of respect for him, calling him an amazing wrestler and said he would echo his statements at Worlds End in December 2023. He felt he left on a high note then and still feels that way. He’s excited to see what’s next for him and that was all he could say about it.
Nielsen ratings changes
Khan was asked about the new “Big Data + Panel” ratings methodology by Nielsen & how it’s affected wrestling. He said it will be interesting to look at and thinks they are overall having a really good year and “some of the best results of anybody.” Khan said he’s a part of different sports leagues and is aware of the differences & trying to learn from them. They need to adapt to the changing environment, but they are still trying to figure everything out.
Two Blood & Guts matches
Asked about whether there will be two Blood & Guts matches this year, he thinks they are heading toward both the men and women doing just that. He didn’t directly say the Greensboro, North Carolina, show in November will host two such matches, but he certainly seemed to hint at it.
Kota Ibushi & Swerve Strickland
Asked about Ibushi following his injury last week, Khan said the injury was “devastating for many reasons.” He was planned for the WrestleDream card and they had to make changes accordingly. He is looking forward to having him back if & when he is able. He added that sitting with Kenny Omega and Ibushi together at the Daily’s Place office last week was a “dream come true.”
On Strickland, Khan says he hopes he can come back “relatively soon” and based on conversations he had as recently as today, “he’s on a good pace and sooner than later.”
WrestleDream card updates
Khan said he has “undeniably” changed things for Saturday, but expects WrestleDream to be “an excellent, excellent show.” He is making changes and “going to try some things.” Ibushi was one of the things that necessitated a change.
Future AEW training/developmental facility?
Asked about interest in an AEW developmental/training facility, Khan said he’s interested in that, but was surprised at yesterday’s Fightful report about Asheville, North Carolina, saying there was some truth but was only part of the story. He played it off as kayfabe, saying he would be interested if FTR, Adam Copeland and Christian Cage could all make amends. He confirmed there were talks about such a place, but those issues would need to be figured out first.
Other Notes:
- He also mentioned the wife of Lou Thesz is expected to be at WrestleDream as he wants to honor the spirit of wrestling in St. Louis. He said he would honor Antonio Inoki (for whom the event was initially done in tribute to) but didn’t specify how.
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