As WWE prepares to host WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia, former WCW World Heavyweight Champion Vince Russo proposed an intriguing alternative for AEW to seize the moment. On September 17, 2025, Russo urged Tony Khan to organize a competing pay-per-view event in the United States called WrestleKhan, directly opposing WWE’s big show in the Arabian Peninsula. This idea comes amid ongoing discussions about AEW’s potential involvement with Saudi Arabia and the growing spotlight on WrestleMania Saudi Arabia as a focal wrestling event.
Russo’s suggestion plays on Tony Khan’s role as the son of a billionaire and CEO of All Elite Wrestling, highlighting the opportunity for AEW to capitalize on WWE’s international efforts while maintaining a strong presence with North American fans. Russo tweeted:
“@TonyKhan—you need to book ‘WRESTLEKHAN’ here in the states opposite WrestleMania in Saudi. I know you know this and I know you will make it happen. This is a GREAT opportunity for @AEW.”
AEW’s Rising Role Amid WWE’s Saudi Arabia Partnership
Since 2018, WWE has maintained a lucrative 10-year partnership with Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, hosting major wrestling events in the Kingdom. The deal will culminate with WrestleMania 43 taking place in Riyadh in 2027, marking another significant step for WWE’s expansion into the Middle Eastern market. However, Tony Khan has been publicly critical of WWE’s involvement with Saudi Arabia at times, adding complexity to AEW’s future approach to international collaborations.
There have been rumors about AEW and its sister promotion Ring of Honor potentially cooperating with Saudi officials, but no official announcements have been made. Nonetheless, AEW appears focused on maintaining its core North American audience, while WWE pursues its international ambitions.
Recent reports also indicate behind-the-scenes tensions within WWE’s Saudi operations, including instances where Saudi officials pressured WWE to cancel certain plans with other partners, reflecting challenges in navigating the relationship.
Booker T Highlights AEW’s Domestic Advantage During WrestleMania Week
Veteran wrestler Booker T revealed a logistical challenge for WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia, suggesting that AEW could benefit by holding a separate event in the United States. He pointed out that many North American fans might skip traveling to the Arabian Peninsula, offering AEW a chance to capture that audience with a stateside show during WrestleMania week. Booker T’s comments build on Russo’s proposal, emphasizing a strategic advantage for AEW in the competitive wrestling landscape.
AEW’s Upcoming Events and Push Toward Major Showdowns
While WrestleMania Saudi Arabia draws global attention, AEW is actively promoting its September To Remember event, set for September 17, 2025, at Canada Life Place in London, Ontario. This special broadcast will feature three hours of programming on TBS and HBO Max, including two hours of AEW Dynamite and one hour of AEW Collision, followed by a countdown show for their major pay-per-view, All Out VII.
Tony Khan energized AEW fans on social media by sharing the promotional poster and a call to tune in, writing,
“#SeptemberToRemember 8pm ET/7pm CT, TBS + HBOMax Wednesday Night #AEWDynamite TONIGHT, starting very soon!!!! This will be a tremendous go-home @AEWonTV, don’t miss it, starting soon, TONIGHT!!!!”
Following the Toronto pay-per-view, AEW has scheduled Dynamite in Pittsburgh and Collision in Huntington, extending their presence across North America. Soon thereafter, the company will celebrate the Dynamite 5 Year Anniversary with a special show in Hollywood, Florida, on October 1, creating momentum for their fall season.
Implications of AEW’s Strategy Amid Global Wrestling Shifts
Vince Russo’s WrestleKhan pitch highlights how AEW might leverage the international attention drawn by WrestleMania Saudi Arabia to establish its own identity and audience domestically. The tension between WWE’s Saudi alliance and AEW’s North American focus signals an evolving wrestling market where competition transcends national borders and platforms.
If AEW pursues Russo’s idea and delivers a compelling event opposite WrestleMania, it could reshape fan engagement and industry dynamics during what has become one of pro wrestling’s most critical periods. Tony Khan’s ability to execute on such an opportunity will be closely watched by wrestling fans and industry insiders alike.
.@TonyKhan—you need to book "WRESTLEKHAN" here in the states opposite WrestleMania in Saudi. I know you know this and I know you will make it happen. This is a GREAT opportunity for @AEW. https://t.co/17iU7cSFQn pic.twitter.com/by1rYbdlht
— Vince Russo (@THEVinceRusso) September 17, 2025
#SeptemberToRemember
8pm ET/7pm CT, TBS + HBOMax
Wednesday Night #AEWDynamite
TONIGHT, starting very soon!!!!This will be a tremendous go-home @AEWonTV,
don’t miss it, starting soon,
TONIGHT!!!! pic.twitter.com/qZvAAj7rO6— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) September 17, 2025
