AEW President Tony Khan recently addressed the long-standing criticism surrounding the use of blood and violence in his company’s programming. In an interview with Chicago’s Q101 (via Fightful), Khan stated that AEW’s broadcast partners, TBS and TNT, have always been supportive of the company’s more extreme and hard-hitting style, which he views as a core part of the AEW identity.
Tony Khan on Network Support for AEW’s Style
Since its inception, AEW has often been criticized by some fans and pundits for its frequent use of blood and its more violent, physical style of wrestling compared to its main competitor, WWE. When asked if the networks ever pushed back on this aspect of the product, Khan was emphatic in his denial, stating that both TBS and TNT have been nothing but supportive.
“No, everybody has been really supportive. As long as we keep having great shows and keep delivering great shows for the fans, I think everybody is really happy,” Khan said. “No, I’ve never had any questions about that, especially on pay-per-view, there is never any kind of restriction for anything like that. On TV, the network has always been supportive of having hard-hitting action and these really brutal fights.”
Khan’s comments affirm that the networks are fully on board with the creative direction that has come to define the AEW brand.
A Core Part of the AEW Identity
For Tony Khan, the intense, physical action is not just an occasional feature but a fundamental pillar of what makes AEW unique. He sees the “brutal fights” as a key differentiator and a major draw for the company’s passionate fanbase. He believes that delivering this style of action is essential to the AEW experience, both on television and especially on pay-per-view, where there are fewer restrictions.
“It’s a big part of what AEW is; great matches and wrestlers beating the hell out of each other,” Khan stated. “That’s a big part of AEW and TBS and TNT have always supported it. Certainly, on pay-per-view, you know that’s what we’re going to deliver.“
This philosophy has been on full display in many of AEW’s most memorable matches, such as the Lights Out matches involving Jon Moxley, the Anarchy in the Arena matches, and the bloody Texas Death Matches that have become a staple of the promotion.
A Different Flavor of Pro Wrestling
AEW launched in 2019 with the goal of providing an alternative to the mainstream wrestling product. Part of that alternative approach has been embracing a grittier, more intense in-ring style reminiscent of promotions from the past like ECW, as well as the strong style of Japanese wrestling. While this has occasionally led to debate among the wrestling community, it has also cultivated a dedicated audience that appreciates the realism and intensity that comes with it. Khan’s comments make it clear that he has no intention of changing this core aspect of his company, ensuring that fans who tune into AEW will continue to see the hard-hitting, physical style they have come to expect.
With the full support of its television partners, AEW is poised to continue delivering its unique brand of professional wrestling. The company’s commitment to “great matches and wrestlers beating the hell out of each other” remains a central tenet of its mission, ensuring its product will continue to stand out in a competitive landscape.
H/T to Fightful for the transcription. Thanks for checking out this article. Make sure to follow Jeff Jarrett and all things GFE on Facebook.
