All Elite Wrestling (AEW) pay-per-view (PPV) events may soon be available for live streaming on HBO Max, marking a significant change in how fans access these shows. This development follows a media rights agreement made nearly a year ago between AEW and Warner Bros. Discovery, which promised discounted live PPV access via the HBO Max platform starting later this year.
While details have remained sparse since the initial announcement, insider Andrew Zarian from The Mat Men Pro Wrestling podcast reported that an official confirmation about AEW PPVs being added to HBO Max is expected within the coming weeks. Notably, HBO Max’s recent update to its subscriber terms included new language about one-time purchases, kicking in from September 20, which aligns with the AEW All Out 2025 event date.
Nick Wayne’s Recovery and ROH TV Championship Status
During the recent media call for Ring of Honor’s (ROH) Death Before Dishonor event, AEW President Tony Khan provided updates on ROH World TV Champion Nick Wayne, who sustained a broken foot earlier this year. This injury caused Wayne to miss his scheduled appearance at AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door, with Killswitch stepping in as his replacement. Despite the setback, Khan reassured fans that Wayne is not being replaced or stripped of his title while he recovers. Instead, ROH will hold off on naming an interim champion as they await Wayne’s return.
Nick Wayne’s last on-screen match was in July on ROH TV, where he successfully defended his title against Willie Mack. Khan indicated that Wayne’s comeback is anticipated soon, although a precise timeline remains unconfirmed.
Insights on Chris Jericho‘s Continued Role and Potential Return
Tony Khan also addressed the ongoing relationship with wrestling legend Chris Jericho during the same media call. He expressed deep gratitude for Jericho’s influence on AEW and ROH’s growth, highlighting Jericho’s contributions since AEW’s inception.
Khan said,
“I would never be where I am in AEW without Chris Jericho, nor would we be in a position where I could have bought ROH. I’ve very grateful to Chris. I think the world of Chris and I would love to have Chris back. He’s been a great star for us since the very beginning of AEW and ROH as well.”
—Tony Khan, AEW President
Regarding future plans, Khan emphasized his eagerness to welcome Jericho back into the fold when circumstances allow:
“If and when the time presents itself, hopefully, I would love to have Chris back. I think the world of him and Chris Jericho is always in the highest of standing with me, AEW, and ROH. He has been a great ambassador, leader, and friend to all of us. Chris Jericho is a huge part of our company here.”
—Tony Khan, AEW President
Challenges Impacting the ROH Women’s Pure Championship Tournament
The planned ROH Women’s Pure Championship tournament has encountered multiple hurdles due to a spate of injuries within the women’s division. Khan explained that when the tournament concept was introduced, numerous injuries delayed the original launch, forcing adjustments to event cards, including the Supercard of Honor. For example, Red Velvet was not cleared to compete, which disrupted the planned bracket, and various intended participants were unavailable.
Discussing the fallout from the Women’s Casino Gauntlet match, Khan stated,
“And then the next night less than 24 hours later, we went out into the Casino Gauntlet match that I mentioned earlier which was a great match. And I mentioned that Mina got hurt in that match. There were several injuries in that match that affected AEW and Ring of Honor and affected potential championships in both companies. And in this case, we lost about a quarter of the women in the Casino Gauntlet match to injury. And Mina is going to be the first one back, and her first match back is going to be tomorrow.”
—Tony Khan, AEW President
These injuries have had a tangible impact on AEW and ROH’s booking strategies. Khan acknowledged the difficulties but maintained an optimistic perspective, noting that the resilience of the roster and quality of performers remain high.
“We have had some major injuries like I said, just even coming out of a big match on the biggest show of the year. Women’s Casino Gauntlet was a great, great match but a lot of injuries, and big stars unavailable that really affected the booking of AEW. But even more so, probably to be honest of you, with ROH where Mina hasn’t been able to wrestle until tomorrow and it’s still been figured into the story um with Toni and Athena, where it still makes sense for her to be here. But also with Syuri, who I really wanted to use here in AEW but also in ROH. And had plans for Syuri, and her first appearance with us was an injury. So things happen and it’s okay. We’ll come back from injuries and all kinds of things. In the case of Deonna, I really want to get Deonna in uh the Pure Championship tournament and get Deonna going. And there’s a number of people I want to use in the Pure Championship Tournament.”
—Tony Khan, AEW President
Travel Issues and Roster Availability Affect Tournament Planning
Besides injuries, travel complications have also affected the timing and structure of the Pure Championship Tournament. Khan revealed that Queen Aminata’s passport being stolen last week delayed announcements and match scheduling. Fortunately, Aminata secured an emergency passport allowing her to return for upcoming events.
“I wrote a bracket for the Pure Championship Tournament. And then this past week, I had to hold off on match announcements for this. And it’s looking positive like I might be able to go hopefully with something that looks like the bracket I wanted to use. On top of all the crazy injuries — and you got people you really want to put in this tournament. Deonna is one great example, but there’s a bunch of women who are going to be in this tournament I really really like, and I think this would be a great spot and place for them. But to make this work, it takes a great group of wrestlers. And I want to put on a tournament commensurate with the quality of uh the roster. And in this case, one of the wrestlers that I really think would add a lot and has been featured as a name that we’ve associated with it, it’s somebody who’s really risen to prominence in AEW. Also has stepped up in part due to injuries, and taken a top place on AW TV, but has expressed an interest in being in the ROH Pure Championship field. And that’s Queen Aminata. And Queen Aminata this week, on independent show, had her passport stolen. And then that changed the uh dynamics of some of the travel and even affected some of the things I was hoping to do Wednesday, last night, which we had a great show. And it looks like Queen Aminata is going to be back for tomorrow now, with a emergency passport. Which is great because I’m now looking back to go back to another — It’s just kind of crazy, but uh there’s so much that goes into planning an event and there’s so much goes into planning shows.”
—Tony Khan, AEW President
Deonna Purrazzo’s Role and ROH Future
Deonna Purrazzo remains an important figure in AEW and ROH’s plans, especially as the Pure Championship Tournament approaches. Khan spoke positively about her abilities and growth, acknowledging past challenges but expressing commitment to supporting her return to prominence.
“I like Deonna a lot and I think she is a very talented wrestler. I do value people trying to get reps in AEW or ROH or internationally. Deonna is a really great wrestler and when she came to AEW, she had a lot of success. She still could find her footing here and do really well. It’s think Deonna had gone down to Mexico, and this is something you can grow and learn from, and had an experience down there that wasn’t positive with our partners. In doing some of the wrestling down there and having more involvement with international partners, it’s important to look at how AEW this year has been working with top international promotions. I like Deonna a lot and I’ve been looking at this show as an opportunity to work Deonna back in. I really want to get Deonna going again. It’s okay if something doesn’t go well, and I want to give somebody an opportunity to come back from something, and I think Deonna is a really good wrestler. Having one match that doesn’t go great shouldn’t be the end of a run or change anything. I really appreciate a lot of what Deonna has said recently, positive comments about AEW. I feel positive about her, too. That’s why we brought her here.”
—Tony Khan, AEW President
Regarding the tournament specifically, Khan confirmed,
“I think Deonna is an excellent wrestler and she’s gonna be in the Pure Championship Tournament. I really want to get Deonna going again. I say these things because I think she’s a really good talent and person. I think she brings a lot of positive things and I really want to stress, if one thing doesn’t go perfectly, it’s okay to take some time and we’ll reevaluate when the right thing comes up and we’ll slot you back in.”
—Tony Khan, AEW President
Khan praised Purrazzo’s attitude and dedication, highlighting that she exemplifies professionalism inside the locker room.
“Deonna has been really positive of AEW and I want to give Deonna a good opportunity. I’m still very interested in Deonna wrestling, and she has been open that she wants to get out there and wrestle more on the independents and take advantage of the opportunities in ROH when they come. Based on the positive sentiment she’s been putting out there and her wanting to do the work, and the body work she’s put up in her career and what I know she’s capable of at her best, absolutely, I want to give Deonna opportunities. Deonna is somebody that is a good example of how to conduct yourself in the locker room, even if you’re not necessarily featured on TV, being very positive in the sentiment of the company and also expressing an interest in going out and wrestling and taking advantage of the opportunities to go out there and get in the ring and make the most of them.”
—Tony Khan, AEW President
The Importance of Injuries and Roster Management for AEW and ROH
Khan’s reflections on the current challenges facing AEW and ROH underscore how injuries and unexpected events heavily influence show planning and talent utilization. Despite these setbacks, the organization remains determined to maintain high-quality wrestling and provide opportunities to their roster.
Talent such as Mina is set to return soon, which will help reinvigorate the women’s division across AEW and ROH. With careful management of travel issues, injury recoveries, and tournament brackets, the companies aim to deliver compelling storylines and competition that fans can anticipate with excitement.
Looking Ahead: The Future of AEW and ROH Programming
The imminent announcement about AEW PPVs streaming live on HBO Max promises to expand audience access and enhance the company’s media presence, potentially attracting new viewers and increasing engagement for major events.
Moreover, the return of Nick Wayne to ROH television, the reintroduction of Deonna Purrazzo in the women’s division, and the hoped-for comeback of Chris Jericho suggest a vibrant future for AEW and ROH’s roster and championships. Fans can expect renewed momentum in the wrestling calendar with major tournaments and key matches shaping the path forward.
