Tony Khan Responds to WWE Sources Over AEW All Out Success
Tony Khan expressed surprise during the post-show media scrum in Chicago that WWE sources reportedly did not expect All Out to perform as strongly as it did, highlighting the promotion’s commercial success and higher year-over-year numbers despite direct competition from WWE’s Worlds Collide event.
Addressing the Fightful Report and Ticket Sales Performance
The controversy emerged following a Fightful report detailing that WWE ran its Worlds Collide event in Chicago specifically to impact AEW All In ticket sales. According to that reporting, WWE sources admitted they did not expect AEW to sell as well as it did, though they remained satisfied with their own figures. The report also noted that WWE decided by early August not to broadcast Worlds Collide live, forcing local fans to attend in person if they wanted to watch.
Reacting directly to those claims during the post-show media scrum, Tony Khan questioned the logic behind underestimating his promotion’s market power. “I was kind of surprised they would say that because we’ve done very, very well. AEW’s having an incredible year. We were Sports Illustrated’s pro wrestling promotion of the year. Why would they be surprised we would sell out?” Khan stated, pointing out that AEW has repeatedly sold out the Chicago arena and emphasizing that both ticket sales and pay-per-view numbers surpassed last year’s metrics.
Roster Updates, Medical Protocols, and Global Expansion
Beyond the box office metrics, Khan provided updates on talent health and potential international shows. Steven Borden sustained an injury during the event, but Khan reported that his CT scans came back clear, with medical personnel anticipating he would be able to fly home the following day. Khan noted that multiple wrestlers were being evaluated by medical staff post-show, which limited availability for media inquiries.
Looking toward future international scheduling and talent recruitment, Khan addressed several strategic fronts. When asked about talent acquisition parameters, Khan stated that prospective signings must demonstrate both in-ring execution and the ability to connect with audiences. Regarding international expansion, Khan expressed openness to hosting an event in Mexico—responding favorably to a suggestion from MJF regarding Azteca Stadium—and confirmed that an AEW World Championship defense in Japan remains a distinct possibility given Will Ospreay’s history and the ongoing partnership with NJPW. Ospreay himself appeared at the scrum, culminating in a face-to-face confrontation with Kazuchika Okada where they formalized a championship match for Grand Slam France on October 6.
Business Integration and Calendar Growth
Analyzing the broader economic structure of the company, Khan attributed the promotion’s upward trajectory to a deliberately expanded television calendar. He noted that adding television dates directly supports additional pay-per-view events, creating an additive revenue stream that has reinforced the company’s financial bottom line while benefiting from sustained fan loyalty throughout 2025 and 2026.
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