All Elite Wrestling President Tony Khan held a media call on Thursday to promote this weekend’s AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door event.
During the call, Khan addressed direct competition from WWE, his thoughts on the viability of pay-per-view, the reasons for a more AEW-centric card at Sunday’s show in London, and the company’s performance so far in 2025.
On head-to-head competition from WWE
When asked about the current wrestling media landscape and WWE running shows head-to-head with AEW events, Khan focused on his company’s performance in 2025.
He highlighted what he described as growth in television viewership for both Dynamite and Collision, attributing it in part to the arrangement that sees the shows simulcast live on HBO Max.
Khan stated that the key to AEW’s success is maintaining focus on its own product rather than on the activities of other promotions.
At the very best of AEW, I think we’ve been just super focused on what we’re doing, not on being the only wrestling company in the world, but trying our best to be the best. And I know we have the best wrestlers, and this year I think we’re doing the best TV shows, the best pay-per-views, and I know we have the best fans.
On the success of Forbidden Door 2025
Without giving exact figures, Khan said this year’s Forbidden Door event would rank in the top five gates that AEW had achieved.
It’s going to be one of the top five biggest crowds, one of the top-five most tickets sold and top-five biggest gates in AEW’s history. And it’s noteworthy three of our top-four gates and three of our top-five attendances have been in London.
On the future of AEW’s pay-per-view model
In response to a query about the sentiment that the traditional pay-per-view model is “dead”, Khan affirmed its strength and viability for AEW. He pointed to the company’s strong buy rates and attendance figures for its major events throughout the year.
Khan also expressed his desire to add HBO Max to AEW’s list of pay-per-view providers in the future.
I also look forward to HBO Max joining the pay-per-view provider party and… I can’t wait for them to join when it’s ready to go.
On the construction of the Forbidden Door card
Khan addressed questions about this year’s Forbidden Door card featuring more AEW vs. AEW matchups compared to previous years. He explained that the event’s later placement in the summer, after the G1 Climax and STARDOM Grand Prix tournaments, created availability issues for many Japanese talents.
He noted that many stars from New Japan Pro-Wrestling and STARDOM were not available for the television build until the week of the show. Khan cited an example from a previous year, where he considered NJPW’s Yota Tsuji as a challenger for then-AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland. However, he ultimately chose Will Ospreay for the spot, believing it was the best possible match for the fans and the champion, even though it was an all-AEW contest.
I think it was the right thing to do looking back, even if it was an AEW versus AEW match. It was the best thing for the championship and the champion, Swerve, and the fans.
Khan confirmed that he anticipates the event will return to its earlier date in the future, which would likely allow for more participation from NJPW and STARDOM talent.
On the rise of Alex Windsor
Khan was highly complimentary of Alex Windsor, who will compete for the TBS Championship at Forbidden Door. He called her a “huge, huge piece of the puzzle for AEW” and stated that she is already a top star in the company.
He noted that injuries sustained by other wrestlers in the Casino Gauntlet match at All In Texas created opportunities. Khan said Windsor has made the most of those chances, delivering in high-profile matches on Dynamite and Collision.
I think Alex Windsor could be a top star in AEW in the future and to go on further, I think Alex Windsor is a top star in AEW right now.
On a potential sequel to AEW Fight Forever
When asked about a potential sequel to the ‘AEW: Fight Forever’ video game, Khan admitted he is not an expert on gaming but confirmed the company learned a great deal from the experience. He stated that he believes they could make the next game “much, much better” by applying those lessons.
While Khan did not provide a timeline, he said he expects “further AEW forays into gaming” across various platforms in the future.
AEW and NJPW present Forbidden Door live from the O2 Arena in London this Sunday, August 24.
