Tony Khan AEW advised timeslot change and theme song accusation has become a focal point as All Elite Wrestling (AEW) faces important decisions ahead of its Summer Blockbuster event. With guidance from industry veterans and new controversies surfacing, Khan and AEW are navigating significant challenges just before one of their major shows.
Calls for Adjusting the Show’s Broadcast Schedule
AEW, under the direction of Tony Khan, has established itself as a formidable force in professional wrestling. Recently, Dave Meltzer, a respected journalist, provided his perspective on the structure and scheduling of AEW’s broadcasts. He referenced the upcoming Summer Blockbuster, an extensive four-hour TV special combining Collision and Dynamite, and expressed concerns about viewer fatigue similar to what has been observed during lengthy WWE events. Meltzer emphasized that extended programming might risk losing audience engagement over time.
The discussion also touched on Warner Bros. Discovery’s ongoing efforts to secure an optimal broadcasting window for AEW’s Collision. Meltzer recommended that the organization move the show to Thursdays from 8-10 pm, arguing that it would help AEW avoid clashing with major sporting events and other established television programs on weekends or other nights. He conveyed his thoughts regarding the best permanent timeslot for AEW Collision, given the current competitive landscape in wrestling and live sports:
“That said, WBD is looking for what time slot is best for Collision permanently. With WWE and other sports so prevalent, Saturday night isn’t it. I think Thursday night at 8-10 p.m. is better than Wednesday from 10-midnight, even though Wednesday has the perfect lead-in of TV main event.”
—Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Newsletter
Controversy Surrounding Mina Shirakawa’s Theme Song
In the buildup to another four-hour AEW presentation—Summer Blockbuster, following their recent Fyter Fest—a new controversy involving Tony Khan arose. Musician and songwriter Malover Troye has publicly accused AEW and its officials of using Mina Shirakawa’s entrance theme, which he claims to have written, without obtaining his permission. According to Troye, a third party altered the song by removing his vocals, urged him to relinquish all rights, and proceeded to supply the modified version to AEW. Despite Troye’s refusal to give up his rights, the music was allegedly featured at an AEW event.
“@TonyKhan A song I Wrote was used as Mina Shirakawa’s AEW entrance theme (May 14th) without my permission. A 3rd party sold it to AEW after removing my vocals + pressuring me to sign away all rights. I refused it. It aired anyway. Please make this right!”
—Malover Troye, Songwriter
Major Anticipation for Summer Blockbuster Despite Setbacks
Even with the ongoing dispute and the logistical challenges tied to scheduling, AEW is pressing forward with plans for Summer Blockbuster. Several high-profile matches and segments are on the card, promising an eventful night for fans. These developments place Tony Khan, AEW officials, Warner Bros. Discovery, Mina Shirakawa, and Malover Troye under heightened scrutiny, as the promotion seeks to uphold its momentum while managing legal and reputational risks.
The coming weeks could be pivotal for AEW as the company considers whether to implement the recommended timeslot change for Collision and addresses the theme song accusation, all in the shadow of major events that could influence the organization’s trajectory in the competitive wrestling landscape.
