Tony Khan, owner of AEW and ROH, is considering permanent changes to AEW’s event start times after experimenting with earlier kickoff schedules at recent pay-per-views. These shifts aim to improve accessibility for international fans, particularly in Europe, while positioning AEW more competitively against WWE’s programming. The possibility of adjusting AEW event times could alter the ongoing rivalry between the two wrestling promotions.
AEW’s Afternoon Start Times and Their Impact
AEW has recently held three major pay-per-view events—All Out VII, All In III, and the Forbidden Door event co-promoted with NJPW—with afternoon start times in North America. This change from the usual evening kickoff was designed to offer better viewing schedules for audiences in different time zones, especially those in the United Kingdom and Europe, where WWE has traditionally held strong viewership.
During a media scrum following the All Out pay-per-view in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Tony Khan responded to a question from Davie Portman of the Poisonrana Podcast about whether AEW might keep these earlier start times more permanently. Khan acknowledged the advantages of this move and expressed openness to continuing with such scheduling on Saturdays and Sundays.
“It’s definitely something to think about, especially on Saturdays with the way the schedules and what we’re doing. I do think there’s something to it, it’d be something to consider, also, on some of the Sundays. It’s been tremendous for three straight pay-per-views. I think the point you’re making is definitely something I’ve taken into consideration. All In: Texas, that early start time, and having that manageable start time in the UK, it made sense. Then we were in London at The O2 for Forbidden Door, and that did have that same kind of domestic here in North America, that kind of afternoon start time like today’s show, tonight’s show, and that’s the third straight pay-per-view that had an afternoon start time in the East Coast, effectively, and the third straight pay-per-view that’s been on in prime-time in the UK,” Tony Khan said.
Khan continued, highlighting the positive reaction from UK fans and the financial benefits AEW has experienced overseas.
“And we’ve had great results, great buys from the UK, the TV ratings in the UK are through the roof. Absolutely, that’s a huge consideration to us, so that is a big part of it, and I’m really glad you asked that because that’s absolutely one of the considerations we’ve thought about here, and whether it’s Saturday or Sunday, it’s definitely given me something to think about, thank you,” Tony Khan said.
This strategic scheduling appears aimed not only at increasing international viewership but also at creating a scheduling advantage over WWE, which continues to escalate counter-programming efforts. AEW’s afternoon events could attract fans who might otherwise watch WWE in the evening, adding complexity to the competitive dynamic between the promotions.
Upcoming AEW Dynamite and Anticipated Announcement
AEW is set to return to the Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for the post-All Out episode of Dynamite. This show will serve as the final build-up for the upcoming Dynamite 5-Year Anniversary special scheduled for October 1 at Hard Rock Live inside the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, Florida. This milestone event is eagerly awaited by fans and marks an important chapter for AEW’s growth.
Tony Khan is expected to make a significant announcement during this week’s Dynamite broadcast. While AEW has not disclosed details, Khan’s previous announcements have involved major developments such as ROH acquisition updates, special event reveals, and new talent signings. Given Khan’s track record, the upcoming reveal could shape AEW’s trajectory in the near future.
Currently, the only confirmed match for the upcoming episode features a six-man tag team bout pitting The Don Callis Family’s Kazuchika Okada, Hechicero, and Konosuke Takeshita against Mark Briscoe, Hologram, and a mystery partner. Rumors circulate that Orange Cassidy, teased recently by fellow members of his stable The Conglomeration, may return in this match, adding further intrigue for viewers.
Potential Effects of the AEW Time Changes on Wrestling Competition
If Tony Khan decides to formalize these altered start times, it could represent a strategic move to solidify AEW’s foothold in international markets and counter WWE’s dominance. Afternoon start times align better with European prime-time hours, potentially increasing live viewership and pay-per-view buys, which could boost AEW’s revenue and global visibility.
This approach also capitalizes on the scheduling war between AEW and WWE by offering an alternative viewing experience at times less saturated by WWE broadcasts. While Khan remains cautious in his public statements, the success of the recent pay-per-views suggests the new timing could become a permanent fixture to help AEW grow its fan base both domestically and abroad.
As AEW continues to expand its presence through thoughtful scheduling, important announcements, and marquee matches, the wrestling industry will be watching closely to see how these changes reshape the competitive landscape with WWE. The upcoming Dynamite episode in Pittsburgh could provide further clues about Khan’s long-term plans to challenge WWE’s dominance in the wrestling world.
