A Major Partnership in the Wrestling World
Summary
– AEW secured a major sponsorship deal with Sega for the street fight match aired on November 15’s AEW Dynamite.
– The deal, in the six figures, was largely connected to Kenny Omega and tied to the Yakuza spinoff game “Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name.”
– The match, originally pitched for AEW Full Gear, took place on Dynamite, featuring Kenny Omega, Chris Jericho, and the Young Bucks.
All Elite Wrestling (AEW) recently landed a significant sponsorship deal with Sega for the street fight match that aired on the November 15 episode of AEW Dynamite. This deal reached six figures and was a major collaboration between the wrestling promotion and the video game giant, highlighting the increasing crossover between gaming and professional wrestling.
The sponsorship was intricately tied to Kenny Omega, a well-known gamer and wrestling superstar. It was specifically connected to Sega’s Yakuza spinoff game, “Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name.” The game featured several references during the match, seamlessly integrating gaming and wrestling.
Initially, there were pitches for the match to take place at AEW Full Gear or other shows, but it was ultimately decided to showcase it on Dynamite. This decision was made to maximize viewership and impact of the sponsorship. Paul Wight, who planned a return to the ring in November, factored into the event, and Brian Cage replaced Sammy Guevara due to injury.
The segment with Kenny Omega, Chris Jericho, and the Young Bucks was filmed a week prior to its airing. AEW sources mentioned that Tony Khan, AEW’s President, included Sega in the Kota Ibushi signing announcement for added value. Representatives from Sega were present at both Dynamite and AEW Full Gear, signifying the importance of this partnership.
This collaboration between AEW and Sega is a significant step in blending professional wrestling and gaming cultures. It showcases the innovative approaches AEW is taking to integrate different entertainment forms, creating unique experiences for its audience.
