During the post-AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door media session, AEW President Tony Khan revealed significant changes to AEW’s contract execution policy, introducing a mandatory one-week notice before match contracts take effect. This change aims to enhance the integrity of AEW championship matches, improve promotion, and ensure fans receive proper advance notification. Khan explained that AEW is committed to differentiating itself, listening to fan feedback, and maintaining trust in its wrestling sport.
Khan elaborated on the rationale behind the new rule, emphasizing the importance of promotional lead time for marquee championship bouts, and his desire to avoid mimicking practices from other wrestling organizations. He stated that adherence to a week’s notice will benefit AEW, its media partners, and the dignity of championship contests overall.
“Here’s what I think. I think that I want AEW to be different. And I’ve been listening to the feedback and the voice of the fans, and I think people want the championships and the sport of wrestling to have integrity. We’re having our best year in the history of AEW, and I think a lot of it is [that] we’re willing to listen to the fans, that we care about the sport, and we want the fans to believe what we’re doing. I think it’s really important that when we have a contract execution and the integrity of the championship, that we can maintain the dignity of the sport. I also think it’s very, very important to promote championship matches. I don’t want to have a big-ticket championship match that we’re not able to advertise. And also, I don’t really want to necessarily utilize a stipulation here that’s being utilized in other places. I’m not trying to duplicate what other people are doing. That’s why going forward, I want to set the tone that from now on I think the right thing to do is, all contract executions should be on at least a week’s notice so we can properly promote the matches. So that we can properly give the fans notice and have the integrity of a championship match. I think it’s for the best for us, I think it’s for the best for our media partners and the integrity of the championships, if that makes sense.”
— Tony Khan, AEW President
Viewership Growth and Relationship with HBO Max
Tony Khan reflected on AEW’s expanding audience, sharing cautious optimism about the company possibly achieving one million viewers across HBO Max and TBS combined. While he admitted limited access to detailed streaming data, Khan compared AEW’s success positively against other major sports properties, suggesting AEW is holding its own among strong competitors.
“All I know is that we’re one of the top sports shows. I don’t know what the NBA streaming viewership was in the past, I’m not sure what the March Madness streaming viewership is. I don’t know the NHL streaming viewership. I can compare regular season NHL to AEW, and see — I think AEW has probably had a good chance to beat a very, very strong league in the sports tab on HBO Max.”
— Tony Khan, AEW President
Khan highlighted the growing collaboration between AEW and HBO Max, particularly with an increased focus on pay-per-view events. He expressed confidence in HBO Max as a platform, praising its commitment to delivering top-tier television and sports content.
“I know they’re very excited about growing into the PPV business as well. So there’s going to be more and more opportunities to build that relationship with HBO Max and establish it as a great platform for AEW.”
— Tony Khan, AEW President
He also shared his personal admiration for HBO Max’s content library, calling it one of the finest entertainment platforms in the world. However, Khan noted that his access to detailed viewer analytics from HBO Max is limited compared to TBS, where he receives far more comprehensive data.
“But I honestly can’t say exactly. I don’t have remotely, not even 1% of the date I get on a TBS show. I know every minute, every demo… if they gave them to me, I’d be really breaking them down, believe me.”
— Tony Khan, AEW President
Advancements in AEW Women’s Wrestling and Champion Recognition
Tony Khan praised the evolution of AEW’s women’s wrestling, noting a notable rise in quality compared to the company’s early days. He remarked that the current female roster is exponentially stronger, delivering more compelling rivalries and matches than in previous years combined. Khan expressed pride in how far the division has come, crediting the wrestlers’ skill development and storyline depth.
Khan placed special emphasis on AEW’s top female champions who set the standard in the division. He highlighted AEW World Champion Toni Storm, the TBS Champion Mercedes Mone, and ROH Women’s World Champion Athena as standout performers, each holding impressive track records and elevating the competition within AEW.
“And it starts at the top with the champions. And it starts at the top with the champions of AEW, the AEW World Champion, ‘Timeless’ Toni Storm. The TBS Champion Mercedes Mone, who is the hardest fighting, hardest working champion in all of wrestling with nine championships all over the world, including several partner promotions. And the ROH Women’s World Champion Athena, who has been incredible, undefeated in Ring of Honor, and has been on a great run in AEW as well. And has really been mowing down competition in recent weeks and had a great match with ‘Timeless’ Toni Storm tonight. I think all three of them are just absolutely fantastic champions, and then up and down the roster there’s great stars.”
— Tony Khan, AEW President
Concerns and Praise Surrounding Will Ospreay’s Recent Injury
Khan addressed the troubling incident involving Will Ospreay, who was seriously injured following an attack after his match. Khan expressed disappointment that a promising moment for wrestling fans turned into a concerning situation, calling attention to Ospreay’s vital role in AEW since joining the company.
“I was pretty disappointed at what happened after the match tonight. What could have been a great moment for some of the great fan favorites of the world of wrestling ended in a very serious situation. And for all the great things I have to say about Jon, that that I did not care for.”
— Tony Khan, AEW President
Khan described Ospreay as a key figure who revitalized AEW’s competitive scene. He compared Ospreay’s influence to wrestling legends he admired during his youth, noting Ospreay’s unmatched work ethic and the fresh matchups he created. Khan remains concerned about Ospreay’s recovery timeline but expressed gratitude for his contributions.
“And also, I would like to say some words about the person who left on a stretcher tonight if I may, Will Ospreay, who has been one of the most important additions to this company. Will Ospreay came to AEW at a time where we really needed him. I’ll use a couple analogies about somebody that’s a wrestling hero of mine and =– two wrestling heroes of mine actually. I’ve been watching wrestling since I was a little kid. And you know, this isn’t a perfect analogy on either side, but when Will Ospreay came to AEW, he injected new life into the promotion. He was a workhorse. He created new matchups that you never thought you were going to see, and he really set a standard of hard work and excellence that was unparalleled. And I really — I’m very grateful to Will Ospreay coming to AEW, and I’m not sure when or if we will see him come back from what happened tonight. I think we’re still very worried about his status and that was a hard way to end the show.”
— Tony Khan, AEW President
Khan also drew a parallel between Ospreay and Ric Flair, recalling the impact Flair had in raising standards when moving between promotions. He praised Ospreay as a tireless competitor who arrived at a perfect time for AEW and deserved the recognition he received from fans, especially performing near his hometown.
“I think Will Ospreay’s been so great for AEW and I’d like to talk for a moment about this guy who is an incredible workhorse. When I was a kid, it was a really big deal when Ric Flair came to the WWF. When I was eight years old and I watched WWF and WCW and when Ric Flair, who had been the wrestler that I watched at his high standard in another promotion, came in I watched the standard of wrestling go up. And I also watched — to me, somebody come in and immediately walk in and be the workhorse. Like when I was a little kid, Ric Flair was wrestling Hulk Hogan in the afternoon and Roddy Piper at night on the same day. And Will Ospreay came in here, worked as hard as anybody. I think he came at the perfect time. I think we really needed him when he came. I really, really believe in this guy. And for him to get that kind of a moment in front of his hometown fans, it was really special or at least close to his hometown of Essex. It’s a it’s a short enough drive with his family here.”
— Tony Khan, AEW President
In closing his remarks on Ospreay, Khan expressed heartfelt appreciation for the wrestler’s hard work and dedication, despite the unfortunate way his recent appearance ended.
“That was probably not how I would have wanted a storybook ending for Will Ospreay, but I just want to thank him for everything he’s been doing for AEW. And no matter what the future holds for Will Ospreay, he came here and from the moment he arrived has been one of the hardest-working, unselfish people. And I was really glad to see him get that recognition from the fans here tonight. And I was sorry to see him leaving in the condition he left in.”
— Tony Khan, AEW President
Impact and Future Implications of AEW’s Recent Developments
The implementation of a one-week notice for contract matches illustrates AEW’s desire to foster transparency and respect for its championships, signaling to fans and competitors alike that AEW values match quality and promotional build-up. This move could elevate AEW’s brand integrity and viewer trust, further differentiating the promotion in today’s wrestling landscape.
Meanwhile, AEW’s ongoing relationship with HBO Max and promising viewership metrics position the company for expansion in streaming and pay-per-view markets, potentially broadening its fan base and boosting revenue streams. The continued improvement of the women’s division, highlighted by strong champions and compelling rivalries, underscores AEW’s commitment to equal spotlight across its roster.
The serious incident with Will Ospreay casts a sobering tone on recent events, reminding fans of the physical risks wrestlers face. Khan’s praise and concern show the promotion’s support for its talent amid challenges, and fans will watch closely for updates on Ospreay’s recovery and future contributions to AEW.
