AEW President Tony Khan recently discussed the ongoing competitive dynamics between AEW and WWE, particularly the increasing trend of WWE scheduling premium live events (PLEs) on the same nights as AEW pay-per-views. Speaking ahead of AEW’s Homecoming show in Jacksonville, Florida, Khan acknowledged the challenges posed by these conflicts but emphasized AEW’s resilience and growth despite them.
Khan Expresses Optimism Amidst Fierce Industry Competition
Khan remained upbeat about AEW’s performance this year, highlighting the company’s strong television ratings and expanding fan base. He noted the demanding nature of the wrestling industry, where constant hard work is required throughout the year to remain competitive. Khan said,
“Well, we’re having a great year. We’ve been able to stick and move and make it work really well for us,”
and added,
“There’s always going to be tough competition and in this sport, it’s very tough competition. A kind of competition that makes you work really hard 52 weeks a year. And for AEW, we’re having a great year. We’ve been putting on great shows. The TV shows have gotten great ratings. We’ve got great support from our audience, and we’ve really grown the audience in 2025.”
AEW Maintains Momentum Despite WWE Head-to-Head Event Strategy
This year, WWE has intensified its direct competition by scheduling events like All Out and Double or Nothing on the same dates as AEW’s major shows. Despite this tactic, AEW continues to attract a passionate audience and post impressive ratings, demonstrating the company’s strong position within professional wrestling’s landscape. These competitive clashes have not deterred AEW’s momentum as the company prepares for upcoming highlights.
Homecoming Show Marks AEW’s Return to Its Original Venue
The Homecoming event at Daily’s Place in Jacksonville will celebrate AEW’s origins by returning to the company’s original home venue. This show is expected to feature significant matches and special appearances, underscoring AEW’s sustained enthusiasm and forward trajectory as the year progresses toward its final months. Khan’s comments reflect the broader optimism surrounding AEW’s future in a landscape marked by intense rivalry with WWE.
