Tony Khan’s Calculated Pause on ROH Discussions
Summary:
– A CW executive approached Tony Khan about a Ring of Honor TV deal in June 2022.
– Khan opted not to pursue the deal, preferring to wait until AEW’s TV rights negotiations in 2024.
– WWE NXT secured a five-year deal with the CW, potentially impacting other wrestling content on the network.
In the bustling world of wrestling entertainment, strategic partnerships and television deals can make or break a promotion’s visibility and success. A fascinating turn of events revealed that during a visit to Los Angeles in June 2022, AEW President Tony Khan was approached by a high-level executive from the CW network. The executive pitched the idea of bringing Ring of Honor (ROH) content to the CW’s viewing audience. However, Khan, known for his strategic approach to business, decided to hold off on any immediate discussions about an ROH television deal.
Khan’s decision to wait is a calculated move, as AEW’s television rights will come into play in 2024, potentially giving him more leverage in the marketplace. This foresight demonstrates Khan’s business acumen and his commitment to maximizing opportunities for AEW and its affiliated promotions.
Meanwhile, the CW has been active in the wrestling scene, having recently inked a five-year deal to broadcast WWE NXT starting in October 2024. This deal signifies the network’s investment in wrestling content, although it raises questions about the space for other promotions on the platform. The CW’s openness to hosting multiple wrestling products could be a game-changer in the industry, offering fans a variety of wrestling entertainment.
The wrestling landscape is ever-evolving, with television deals being a critical aspect of a promotion’s reach and influence. As the CW looks to diversify its wrestling offerings, and with Tony Khan’s strategic planning for AEW and ROH, the coming years will be pivotal in shaping the future of wrestling’s presence on television.
