On June 18, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) made its highly anticipated debut in Mexico with the Grand Slam event in Mexico City, a collaboration with Mexico’s oldest wrestling promotion, CMLL. Tony Khan on AEW Mexico success quickly sparked excitement, as the show at Arena Mexico drew major attention from local fans and a passionate response to the marquee clash between Místico and MJF.
This milestone not only marked a new chapter for AEW but also highlighted the ambitions of Tony Khan and his team to expand internationally, leveraging top talent and dynamic partnerships.
AEW’s Historic Grand Slam in Mexico City
AEW’s first Mexico event took place at the iconic Arena Mexico, a storied venue in the heart of Mexico City known for legendary wrestling moments. The event was the result of a cross-promotional alliance with CMLL, which brought together a blend of AEW talent and CMLL’s own stars, firing up local fans and demonstrating the global reach of wrestling.
Amid an electric atmosphere, one bout stood out above the rest: Místico, celebrated as a hero in his home country, faced off against MJF. The crowd’s overwhelming support for Místico elevated the spectacle, and despite the match ending in disqualification, the energy and intensity from fans and performers set a high standard for future events.
Record-Breaking Viewership and AEW’s Growing Audience
Following the success of Grand Slam Mexico, Tony Khan appeared on The Battleground podcast, where he shared insights on the event’s remarkable viewership. He highlighted that the broadcast delivered AEW’s highest ratings in nearly a year, according to TBS network data. Khan described how both traditional television and online streaming contributed to making Grand Slam Mexico the most-watched AEW program in a long time.
“It was the most watched episode of AEW since last year, and that was before the simulcast,”
—Tony Khan, AEW President
“So you know, based on our TBS data, this was the most watched AEW show on cable in nearly a year, and in a lot of the key demographics, most watched AEW show in over a year. And when you factor in the streaming viewership, I think this was the most watched AEW program in a long time.”
—Tony Khan, AEW President
This surge in audience numbers reflects AEW’s strategy of expanding into new territories and engaging diverse fanbases. The event’s impact demonstrates the growing popularity of AEW well beyond American borders, with Mexican viewers in particular responding enthusiastically to the combined showcase of talent.
Místico’s Homecoming Sets the Stage for a Rematch
Tony Khan also expressed his surprise at the extraordinary reception Místico received at Arena Mexico. He acknowledged that neither he nor his team could have predicted the sheer scale of the support, which intensified the atmosphere and contributed to the dramatic showdown with MJF. Although the first encounter between the two concluded with a disqualification, the competitive spirit left fans clamoring for another match.
“I don’t think anything prepared the fans and any of us, frankly, for the kind of reaction he was going to get when we went to Arena Mexico,”
—Tony Khan, AEW President
“What a great match, Místico versus MJF. They had an absolutely fantastic encounter, and it left meat on the bone. I think we could absolutely see a rematch down the line at some point.”
—Tony Khan, AEW President
Khan made it clear that a rematch between Místico and MJF is highly likely, with anticipation building for what promises to be another headline-worthy event both for AEW and Mexican wrestling fans. This kind of international rivalry is seen as a major step forward in strengthening global ties and raising the profile of AEW’s roster.
Tony Khan’s Commitment to Returning to Mexico
The success of Grand Slam Mexico has convinced Tony Khan that a return to Mexico is almost guaranteed. In his interview, Khan emphasized the historic nature of the event, pointing out that an American wrestling promotion had never before partnered with CMLL to headline a major televised show in Arena Mexico. For Khan, the positive reception and the seamless collaboration with CMLL make future events in Mexico not just possible, but likely.
“We’ve never seen an American wrestling promotion go to Mexico and work with CMLL and be invited to run a show, let alone a major TV show… out of Arena Mexico,”
—Tony Khan, AEW President
“It was a huge success, and very excited to go do it again… It’s almost a virtual certainty we’re going to have a return to Mexico.”
—Tony Khan, AEW President
This intention to stage another major event south of the border is a sign that AEW is committed to long-term international growth. By forging strong partnerships and spotlighting cross-promotional bouts, AEW aims to become a fixture in the global wrestling calendar, drawing on the unique traditions and passionate audiences found in places like Mexico City.
The Aftermath: Renewed Rivalries and the Next Chapter
In the wake of the Grand Slam Mexico main event, storylines continued to develop. MJF made a surprise appearance at Major League Wrestling (MLW), where he launched a sneak attack on Místico as the CMLL star addressed his supporters. The altercation, which left fans shocked, immediately sparked talk of a second showdown between these two wrestlers, reinforcing their burgeoning rivalry and setting the stage for another blockbuster encounter.
Key AEW stars like MJF and Místico are shaping the narrative for what comes next, as both fans and promoters look forward to potentially historic rematches and further collaborations between AEW and CMLL. Other wrestling organizations, such as WWE, are also closely watching these developments, recognizing the significance of AEW’s bold approach to international expansion.
AEW’s International Partnerships and the Global Future
Beyond the excitement of the Grand Slam Mexico show and Tony Khan’s remarks on AEW Mexico success, the event highlights the importance of forging strong, multinational partnerships. The collaboration with CMLL and the enthusiastic turnout at Arena Mexico underscore AEW’s commitment to building bridges across leagues and fan communities, ensuring sustained impact on the sport worldwide.
With superstars like MJF and Místico at the forefront, and Arena Mexico as the stage for unforgettable moments, AEW’s trajectory toward global recognition appears unstoppable. Fans can expect more cross-promotional events, innovative matchups, and new storylines as AEW looks to solidify its status as a major player not only in the United States, but across the globe.
Looking Forward: What AEW’s Success in Mexico Means
The enthusiastic response to AEW’s Grand Slam Mexico and the prospect of a Místico vs. MJF rematch signal a powerful shift in the wrestling landscape, with Mexico City now a crucial destination for major events. For Tony Khan and AEW, this marks not just a successful foray into new markets, but the beginning of ongoing international collaborations that promise fresh opportunities for wrestlers and fans alike.
Following this groundbreaking achievement, expectations are high for future AEW shows in Mexico and beyond, as Tony Khan continues to channel his vision for global expansion, fueled by passionate performers and audiences hungry for world-class wrestling entertainment.
