AEW president Tony Khan recently altered the pay-per-view schedule to accommodate a significant personal event, specifically the wedding of wrestler Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF). This adjustment, involving the Ring of Honor Death Before Dishonor PPV, highlights the impact of personal relationships on professional wrestling scheduling.
AEW and WWE continue to navigate their competitive rivalry, especially as WWE plans to counter-program AEW’s upcoming All Out event with its own Wrestlepalooza pay-per-view. Wrestlepalooza, featuring Brock Lesnar and John Cena, will be the first WWE show under its new ESPN partnership, ensuring a stacked card aimed at diverting attention from AEW’s marquee event.
AEW Moves All Out Start Time to Avoid Direct WWE Clash
In response to WWE’s scheduling, AEW announced that its All Out pay-per-view will now begin at 3 PM Eastern Time, five hours earlier than the originally planned 8 PM slot. This change removes a direct timing conflict with WWE’s Wrestlepalooza and serves as a strategic move in the ongoing programming battle between the two wrestling promotions.
However, the more recent PPV adjustment involving the Ring of Honor show was driven by a different reason—a personal one involving Tony Khan’s close relationship with MJF.
Tony Khan Reschedules ROH PPV to Attend MJF’s Wedding
According to information shared by journalist Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, the Ring of Honor Death Before Dishonor show was originally scheduled for September 5 but was quietly moved to a week earlier because Tony Khan wanted to attend MJF’s wedding to Alicia Atout. Khan’s commitment to not missing any shows means that if he would be absent due to the wedding, the show’s date needed to be changed.
“That’s why we had that Ring of Honor show last Friday. Originally, the Ring of Honor PPV was supposed to be on Friday night (September 5th), and they quietly moved it up a week and it was because Tony Khan wanted to go to Max’s wedding. And Tony Khan is not going to miss a show. So if he’s not going to be there because they wanted him at the wedding, then there can not be a show on September 5th.” —Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Radio
This shift underscores the importance of MJF within Tony Khan’s wrestling enterprises and how pivotal figures within AEW and its associated promotions influence scheduling decisions narrowly focused on competitive considerations.
Context of WWE–AEW Competition and Major Upcoming Matches
The battle for viewership between WWE and AEW has become increasingly intense since AEW’s formation in 2019 by Tony Khan. WWE’s attempt to go head-to-head with AEW’s flagship events demonstrates their focus on reclaiming or maintaining audience share by scheduling its premium live events simultaneously. Key WWE stars such as Brock Lesnar and John Cena anchoring Wrestlepalooza are crucial draws aiming to disrupt AEW’s viewership momentum.
Meanwhile, AEW’s decision to avoid a direct time clash by pushing up All Out reflects an ongoing strategy to preserve its fanbase and maintain event visibility. This delicate timing dance illustrates the tension between the two premier wrestling organizations as their rivalry intensifies.
Additional Wrestling News Highlights
In related wrestling updates, a WWE Hall of Famer made an appearance on the August 9 episode of RAW during a backstage segment interrupted unexpectedly. Tiffany Stratton has been announced to face a familiar contender in her next defense of the WWE Women’s Title, signaling continued storylines in the women’s division.
Alicia Atout, MJF’s new spouse, has responded publicly to MJF’s prompt return to AEW programming after their wedding, showing the blending of personal and professional life in wrestling circles. At WrestleMania 40, The Rock participated in what could possibly be his final WWE match, teaming with Roman Reigns against Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins.
Sadly, a WWE legend sustained an injury after a fall at Atlanta’s airport, raising concerns among fans and colleagues. Additionally, Randy Orton is scheduled for a major grudge match on the September 12 episode of WWE SmackDown, underlining the ongoing high-profile rivalries in WWE.
Elsewhere, WWE’s Bronson Reed publicly addressed social media fan interactions after a negative comment, and Karrion Kross urged a WWE veteran not to retire following a surprising hint at possible career changes.
Implications of Scheduling Changes and Future Outlook
The rescheduling of pay-per-view events due to both competitive pressures and personal priorities reflects the complicated landscape of professional wrestling today. Tony Khan’s decision to shift the ROH Death Before Dishonor PPV date for MJF’s wedding exemplifies how personal relationships and business decisions intersect within wrestling promotions.
With WWE and AEW continuing to vie for audience dominance, upcoming events like Wrestlepalooza and All Out will be crucial in defining each company’s standing. The WWE–ESPN partnership promises a strong WWE presence, while AEW’s adjustments illustrate their efforts to remain competitive without direct clashes where possible.
These developments demonstrate that beyond the scripted fights and storylines, the wrestling world remains a dynamic environment requiring careful planning and adaptability by its leaders, with Tony Khan’s recent scheduling changes as a prime example.
