AEW President and CEO Tony Khan has emphasized the strength and growth of AEW’s international partnerships, particularly with wrestling organizations CMLL and New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW). In a recent appearance on the Battleground podcast, Khan offered insight into how these alliances have flourished, underscoring the significance of these connections within the world of professional wrestling and reflecting AEW’s focus on collaboration in the sport.
Khan addressed perceptions of AEW’s relationships, noting the development of these partnerships and their mutual benefits over time. Speaking on the podcast, he shared,
“I can’t say what people necessarily conceive or don’t, or misconceive or don’t, but I would say I would think probably people may not know how great a collaboration we’ve been able to build with partners around the world. New Japan Pro Wrestling has become a great partner of AEW. It wasn’t that way at the start. CMLL has now become a great partner of AEW. These are fantastic partners, CMLL and New Japan Pro Wrestling. I’m very honored to be able to work with them. We have a great relationship with Salvador and everyone at CMLL. And of course, President [Hiroshi] Tanahashi just celebrated his retirement, and I was very glad that AEW was able to be represented there. And I think that he’s had one of the most fantastic careers, and to see the massive, massive success of Wrestle Kingdom headlined by Mr. Tanahashi’s retirement match and this epic bout with [Kazuchika] Okada versus Tanahashi and the retirement of Hiroshi Tanahashi. I thought that was so special, and I think it’s a great example of some of the great things that can be achieved to have the massive audience that the show pulled and the huge crowd live and the TV audience very befitting Tanahashi’s legendary status. He’s a great choice to be the president of New Japan, and we’re very blessed to work with him, and I’m so glad that his retirement was a great success, and I think it’s a tribute to him, and we’re just blessed to be a part of that. So we’re great, great partners with each other, I think, with CMLL and New Japan Pro Wrestling, and I’m very proud of those relationships. So you know wrestling companies around the world can work together successfully.”
—Tony Khan, AEW President & CEO
In this quote, Khan specifically calls attention to partnerships with Salvador and the team at CMLL, as well as the recent contributions and retirement of Hiroshi Tanahashi, celebrating Tanahashi’s influence, his new role as NJPW president, and AEW’s participation at events like Wrestle Kingdom.
Possible AEW Involvement in NJPW Events
As anticipation builds for July’s G1 Climax 36, set to take place in the United States, questions have surfaced about AEW’s direct participation. While New Japan Pro Wrestling maintains control over its roster and booking decisions, Khan indicated ongoing discussions about the possibility of AEW talent joining the tournament. Khan stated,
“No, New Japan may come to me to book wrestlers into the tournament, but how they handle their business, that’s completely New Japan’s prerogative, but we may work together. I think there could potentially be involvement from AEW wrestlers. I believe there will be, based on our early talks. So, I’m excited about that and the G1 coming this summer to America.”
—Tony Khan, AEW President & CEO
His remarks suggest that AEW wrestlers’ appearance in the tournament is likely, dependent on further collaboration talks. If realized, this would mark a significant moment, bringing together talents from both organizations and expanding their collective audience in the U.S., making the G1 Climax event even more impactful for the wrestling community.
Benefits of Collaboration in Professional Wrestling
Khan also spoke about the broader value of forming strong alliances between wrestling leagues, equating these synergies with the cooperative relationships found among sports teams. The AEW chief noted that, even while each company manages its respective affairs, successful collaboration enables growth for all involved. Khan expressed,
“Well, it’s like so many other things, you know, partnerships, friendships in sports, you can work together and help each other and be collaborative. Then obviously you’re all running your own teams and your own leagues, but it’s possible for sports teams to be collaborative and work together, and it’s possible for wrestling leagues to work together and be collaborative, and thankfully we’re not playing head-to-head. It’s not like that. So it’s great to be able to have AEW having an amazing 2025 and see our partners having great times, too.”
—Tony Khan, AEW President & CEO
This approach reflects AEW’s optimistic outlook, aiming for a vibrant 2025 while ensuring their partners, such as NJPW and CMLL, enjoy success as well. The focus remains on shared victories rather than head-to-head rivalry, reinforcing the positive energy around these partnerships.
Looking Ahead for AEW and Its Partners
As AEW continues to build on its international relationships, the partnerships with CMLL and New Japan Pro Wrestling stand as key pillars for global growth, with their collaborative model shining through major wrestling events and initiatives. With figures like Hiroshi Tanahashi taking on prominent leadership roles and the involvement of AEW wrestlers in future tournaments likely, the coming months promise further integration and excitement for fans worldwide. These developments signify an era where wrestling companies across the globe, including those in Japan, the U.S., and Latin America, can unite to deliver landmark moments for athletes and audiences alike, embodying the spirit of Tony Khan AEW partnerships on the international stage.
