On Tuesday, AEW and Ring of Honor head Tony Khan spoke for over an hour with the media to promote the upcoming All In and ROH Supercard of Honor events. During the discussion, he firmly denied rumors that Mercedes Mone has creative control at AEW, emphasizing that he alone holds that authority. Khan recounted how he regained full creative control in early 2020 and again in 2025, leading to improvements across AEW programming.
Khan explained that although he collaborates with talents like Mone, Jen Pepperman, Toni Storm, and RJ City on storylines, he has the final say in all creative decisions. He dismissed the idea that any wrestler’s success comes from holding a “creative control card.” Praising Mone as a great star and a positive presence backstage, Khan said,
“This is the most focused and best AEW in many, many years because there are less voices,”
—Tony Khan, AEW President and CEO
Clarification on Britt Baker’s Current AEW Situation
Khan also addressed recent speculation suggesting Britt Baker requested her release to join WWE. He stated he has never discussed her departure and expressed his appreciation for her. Using a sports analogy, Khan likened his roster to a team where only so many players can start, and AEW runs a tight, focused show with a deep bench of talent both for men and women. Baker, who previously held the AEW Women’s World Championship, has been absent from television since November without any storyline explanation.
Future of Continental and International Titles in AEW
Khan clarified that the AEW Continental and International championships are not being discontinued. Instead, the new Unified Champion, to be decided in the high-profile match between Kenny Omega and Kazuchika Okada scheduled for this Saturday, may carry all three belts. Khan noted that the unified title concept is new to AEW and designed to highlight the significance of this match, ensuring the legacies of both existing championships remain intact. He also confirmed the return of the Continental Classic tournament, though details about its prize were not revealed.
Injury Updates and Interim ROH Women’s TV Title Announcement
Injuries have altered plans for this week’s ROH Supercard of Honor, according to Khan. Jamie Hayter sustained an injury that has sidelined her longer than initially expected, leading to Queen Aminata being called up as her replacement. Additionally, reigning ROH Women’s TV Champion Red Velvet was hurt during a recent CMLL match last month. Although she is expected to continue pushing through the injury, she will be unable to defend the title soon. As a result, an interim ROH Women’s TV Champion will be crowned on Friday, but Khan did not provide further specifics.
Implications for AEW and ROH Moving Forward
Tony Khan’s statements put to rest several circulating concerns about Britt Baker’s AEW status update and the creative landscape within AEW. His insistence on centralized creative control may signal a more streamlined yet intense direction for storytelling, even amid roster depth challenges. The unification of titles between Kenny Omega and Kazuchika Okada highlights AEW’s effort to elevate marquee matches while preserving championship lineages, maintaining fan interest in long-term storylines. Meanwhile, the injuries affecting ROH’s female roster show the unpredictable realities the promotion faces heading into a major weekend of events, with interim champions helping to keep competition alive.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why does Britt Baker say DMD?
A. In AEW, Britt Baker uses the title “Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D.” on purpose. She includes both “Dr.” and “D.M.D.” to make her character seem more annoying.
Q. Did Britt Baker have a stroke in real life?
A. Britt Baker talked about experiencing a transient ischaemic attack (TIA), often called a “mini-stroke.” After unexpectedly reappearing at Forbidden Door, she joined Dynamite to share her absence story. She was away for 10 months, during which she had a TIA and stayed in the hospital for a week.
