Tony Khan, the owner of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), has announced a novel approach by offering complimentary tickets for an upcoming Ring of Honor (ROH) event. This initiative is part of a broader experiment aimed at reshaping how ROH tapings are conducted, potentially repositioning the brand’s presence in the wrestling industry.
Since establishing AEW in 2019 and elevating it to an influential wrestling organization worldwide, Khan has expanded his reach by acquiring ROH in March 2022. The acquisition saved the struggling brand from near closure, leading to multiple ROH events being held alongside AEW shows, creating extensive schedules for performers and audiences alike.
New Venue and Format Proposed for ROH Recordings
Wrestling Observer Radio’s Dave Meltzer revealed details about a stand-alone ROH taping scheduled for March 1 in Jacksonville, Florida, which will take place at a small studio near the Jacksonville Jaguars’ office—where Khan works. The venue, modest in size, will offer free admission as part of this trial run, marking a potential shift toward consolidating ROH tapings into this centralized location.
“It’s a very small building, and tickets are free. So this is an experiment. The idea is that if it goes well, this will be where all the ROH tapings will be done. At the studio, which is right by the [Jacksonville] Jaguars office, which is where Tony Khan works from. It’s basically a TV studio in downtown Jacksonville. The idea is to no longer tape the ROH shows on Wednesday or Saturday. It’s easier because there are a lot of tapings coming up that are double tapings. Not all of them but a lot of tapings coming up. They’re gonna tape the Wednesday and Saturday [AEW] shows on Wednesday night. That doesn’t leave anytime for Ring of Honor tapings, it’s already a four-hour show. That’s the idea, I don’t know how many hours, I presume three to four hours of taping, do it once every three weeks or once every month.”
The plan aims to avoid crowding schedules by moving ROH tapings away from the previously regular slots on Wednesdays or Saturdays. Many AEW shows are now taped in double sessions on Wednesday nights, limiting room for ROH’s recordings and prompting a new, more efficient taping cycle.
Fan Response and Ticket Distribution for Upcoming ROH Taping
The interest in attending this ROH event has been significant, with all available tickets being claimed. Because of the high demand, a waiting list has been established to accommodate more fans who wish to attend. Offering free tickets reflects Khan’s effort to engage the audience directly and test this format’s viability in a more intimate environment.
Implications for AEW, ROH, and the Wrestling Landscape
Tony Khan’s decision to provide free tickets for ROH shows at a smaller venue suggests a strategic refinement in how wrestling content is produced and delivered under AEW’s expanding umbrella. This experiment could lead to a regular taping schedule in the studio setting, freeing up the talent’s time and ensuring a focused production environment.
Such a move may elevate ROH’s profile again by separating its production from AEW’s busy event calendar while maintaining fan engagement through easier access and lower barriers to attendance. This development underlines Khan’s ongoing commitment to innovation within professional wrestling and the potential for both AEW and ROH to thrive under his leadership.
