Tony Khan has revealed early insights into the future of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) programming following WWE’s announcement that WrestleMania 43 will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With a major international pay-per-view event, All Out: Toronto, on the horizon, Khan is focused on expanding AEW’s reach while preparing for the shifting landscape of wrestling’s biggest annual weekend.
AEW’s Strategic Response to WWE’s Saudi Arabia WrestleMania
Rumors about WWE hosting the 2027 WrestleMania in Saudi Arabia were confirmed officially about a week ago, sparking widespread discussion among fans and wrestling analysts. This unprecedented move to hold WrestleMania 43 outside the United States has raised questions about the impact on independent wrestling events traditionally planned to coincide with the flagship WWE weekend.
At a recent press call for AEW’s All Out 2025, Tony Khan was asked if AEW planned to capitalize on WWE’s Saudi Arabian event by staging a major show around the same time in spring 2027. Khan expressed strong enthusiasm for the idea, confirming AEW’s intention to organize a significant event in that period.
“I have a lot of interest in it, and I can promise we’re gonna run a huge event in the spring of 2027. I think spring 2027 is gonna be a great time for AEW. We’re still gonna be in the peak of this massive media deal that we’ve done with Warner Bros. Discovery…. People ask about the spring of 2027. I can promise we’ll have a huge AEW Revolution and a lot of big plans for then. And obviously, very focused right now on 2025. That’s looking very far ahead, but there’s definitely potential for us to do some big thing in the spring of 2027.” – Tony Khan, AEW President and CEO
While Tony Khan’s primary focus remains on AEW’s 2025 schedule, his comments highlight the promotion’s long-term vision and readiness to leverage potential opportunities emerging from WWE’s international expansion.
AEW All Out 2025: A Showcase of Top Talent
The upcoming All Out 2025 event promises a packed main card featuring ten high-profile matches. A key bout involves Canadian icons Adam Copeland and Christian Cage facing off against the acclaimed tag team FTR. Copeland, known widely as the Rated-R Superstar, and Christian Cage, the Patriarch, formed a successful tag partnership at AEW’s Forbidden Door event, convincing fans with their victory over the team of Killswitch and Kip Sabian.
During the recent media call, Khan confirmed that the match between Copeland and Cage versus Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler will open the pay-per-view this Saturday. The encounter sets the stage for a compelling clash between seasoned athletes and AEW’s top-tier tag team specialists.
The outcome remains uncertain as fans eagerly anticipate whether these former WWE legends can overcome The Top Guys, adding further intrigue to AEW’s growing card.
Implications of WrestleMania’s Saudi Arabia Venue on Wrestling Industry
Industry observers suggest that WWE’s decision to host WrestleMania 43 in Riyadh could reshape the traditional spring wrestling calendar. Independent shows that typically thrive on the momentum of WrestleMania weekend might face logistical challenges or diminished attention due to the geographical shift. This offers AEW an opening to position itself boldly during that pivotal weekend, potentially attracting a wider audience and establishing new marquee events outside of WWE’s shadow.
Tony Khan’s mention of a significant “AEW Revolution” in 2027 signals the promotion’s commitment to solidifying its status amid evolving market conditions. Securing major media partnerships, such as the distribution deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, gives AEW the platform to scale its events and build toward a major milestone in spring 2027.
Current Focus and Future Prospects for AEW
Although the AEW president is plotting ambitious plans for 2027, his immediate concentration lies with the 2025 All Out PPV. This event, marked by a star-studded lineup, exemplifies AEW’s ongoing dedication to quality storytelling and wrestling excellence. The promotion continues to build momentum, leveraging the talents of legendary performers like Adam Copeland and Christian Cage alongside rising stars.
Given WWE’s evolving strategies and the wrestling industry’s shifting dynamics, AEW’s adaptability and foresight could play a crucial role in defining its future success. Tony Khan’s openness to hosting a large-scale event during WrestleMania’s Saudi Arabian era reflects AEW’s determination to seize new opportunities and expand its global presence.
Tony Khan says he’s interested in running a huge event in the spring of 2027 as WWE will be holding WrestleMania in Saudi Arabia around that time in the year.
(via AEW ‘ALL OUT’ Media Call) pic.twitter.com/A0CrFNcuLi
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) September 18, 2025
