Latest news with #AllEliteWrestling
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
How AEW has retained its cable audience during Max partnership
Yahoo Finance Executive Editor Brian Sozzi sits down with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) founder and CEO Tony Khan to discuss the company's Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) partnership, competition within the pro wrestling space, consumer sentiment, and more. Click here to watch more of Yahoo Finance's coverage from the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Yahoo! Finance continuing its coverage here at the Cannes Lions, uh, festival. And you never know who you're gonna run into on the ground here. Joining me now is AEW, uh, CEO Tony Khan. I should say all elite wrestling. Yes, AEW, all elite wrestling, yes. So, uh, I've been following, uh, you for a while, I've been following the growth of this brand. For those not familiar, you know, how big has AEW gotten since you launched a couple years ago? Well, we have, uh, a huge audience. We've got, uh, a great partnership with Warner Brothers Discovery. We have Wednesday night Dynamite on TBS every Wednesday night. Uh, we've got Saturday night Collision on TNT every Saturday night. And this is the first year of the simulcast. So now the show every Wednesday night it simulcast TBS and Max, every Saturday night TNT and Max. So the company keeps growing, expanding. Uh, we have a huge audience. AEW's on in over 150 countries worldwide. Millions of people watch the show every week, uh, all over the planet. So AEW's grown so much, uh, and the lifeblood of the company is our great wrestlers, our great fans, and that partnership with Warner Brothers Discovery. I, I'm trying hard not to have like a wrestling trivia contest with you right now in real time. I'm not gonna do it. I'm not gonna do it. But, you know, what made you, before we look forward, what made you start this? Because when you started AEW, I mean, there was WWE, uh, WCW folded, and no other company was competing, but something must have been going on in your head, say, I need to take on a company like this. Well, it was a great opportunity. Uh, we launched AEW in 2019. Uh, in 2018, I was looking at the pro wrestling landscape and I realized there was a real opportunity to launch a challenger brand in this business. Uh, that's what's happened with AEW. We've grown the company so much. We started in 2019 and we're coming up just weeks from now. July 2nd, we're going to celebrate 300 episodes of Wednesday night Dynamite. Uh, recently, we had this huge milestone episode 289 that doesn't sound like a round number, but the reason 289 is a big milestone is it's, it signified AEW becoming the longest running primetime pro wrestling show ever on TBS and TNT. Wednesday night Dynamite, we've done 300 episodes now. Uh, 288 was the previous record. Uh, so we've set the record, uh, there. TBS and TNT, they have such a great history of showing wrestling, so to be the company that's put on the longest running primetime weekly pro wrestling show ever on Turner Sports, that's pretty sweet. And, uh, you know, we're having a really, really great year. It feels like 2025 is, in a lot of ways, the best year we've had. I mean, we're having a great How, how big is the biz? How much, how many sales do you bring in? I mean, is it making money? Like what are your Yes, we're doing fantastic. This was a huge year for us. We grew the business so much with the simulcast. We've brought in new audience with Max and, and streaming, but also, uh, we've been able to grow our cable audience year over year. Frankly, that cable and satellite Grow the cable, who's doing that? Well, uh, you know, honestly, us. Because a lot of people thought when you start simulcasting AEW on Wednesday nights and Saturday nights, oh, okay, well, a lot of people, they're still going to watch the show, but people are going to migrate to streaming. Well, actually, our cable audience when we started simulcasting went up. And we have a great audience on Max streaming every week too. So, uh, we have been able to do that, and we've really maintained and grown a great audience over the years. Uh, AEW, uh, we say it's where the best wrestle, and I really believe that's true. I think we have the best roster of wrestlers in the world. Key point, because I think you and I would both agree that talent is what makes wrestling. And I look back over the years in the '80s, it was, uh, really gigantic people yelling into a screen, cutting what 30-second snippets. But what makes a great talent nowadays, uh, in wrestling? Well, it's a great question. I think it's a total package, uh, different than the total package. Lex Luger. Oh, you didn't think of Come on. You weren't gonna get that one past me. I knew you were going to say that. No, it's okay. I love Lex, and I think that, uh, exactly. You got to have somebody that has all the skills right now that, that total package. You want to have somebody that has the ability to talk and connect with the audience, somebody that has charisma, and somebody that's a great athlete. The fans want great pro wrestling matches in 2025, and they're, they, they deserve great matches. And that's what AEW gives the fans every Wednesday night on TBS, every Saturday night on TNT. We've got a roster of wrestlers, uh, from Hangman Page, Jon Moxley, Will Osprey, MJF, Mercedes Monet, Timeless Tony Storm, so many great wrestlers that can connect with the audience. They have charisma, but also they're great in the ring. A lot of CEOs that I've talked to here at Cannes so far, getting mixed reads on the economy. What do you see through your ticket sales, your, your sales at the, at the, uh, you know, the, the stands where I go get like a t-shirt and a hoodie? We're having a great year. So for AEW, it's been really strong. I think, uh, you have to work really hard to earn the fans' trust, or earn the fans' spending these days. You have to really put on, uh, compelling product, you know, at the movie theaters, the movies that draw are the, the big tentpole movies. You know, it's changed a lot just to look at the movie business, for example. I was looking at, uh, the movies that came out around 20 years ago around the holidays. I saw like 14 movies a month back in the '90s. You know, now people don't see 12, 14 movies a month around, you know, the winter and the summer. Uh, so it's changed a lot. You really have to earn the consumer confidence, and, uh, there are less and less players in space. And that's why with media consolidation, it's really, really important whether you're sports, entertainment, or pro wrestling, which is really great elements of both, but first and foremost, wrestling is a sport, and it has a great audience, and like great sports fans, wrestling fans come back because they want to see the best athletes, they want to see the best competition. And wrestling's a little different because there's great stories that drive pro sports, uh, family stories, uh, competition stories, and those same elements exist in pro wrestling, but we're able to really drive them, hit them home, take the best elements of movies and TV, and build them in. And that's what's great about wrestling. But, you know, I think you're asking about the economy for AEW, 2025 has been a great year for us, but I'm not going to lie, like when we started in, uh, AEW in 2019, there were a lot of shows, there were a lot of channels, and frankly, media's consolidated and changed. I'm really proud that after six years, AEW is still a huge part of the conversation and growing. Well, Warner Brothers is, like you mentioned, Warner Brothers is splitting up. What does that mean for your, your deal, your rights deal with them? That's a great question. Uh, you know, I know that AEW, for both sides of where Warner Brothers is going, we have great relationships with everybody at the top, uh, both on Global Networks and Streaming and Studios. Mr. Zaslav himself put our deal together. Uh, Gunnar, who will be running Global Networks, also was very involved in our deal. Is the CFO, the two of them and Bruce Campbell really negotiated this deal with AEW and myself and my team. So, on both sides, uh, we've got the great relationships and both sides that really love AEW and have come to be great partners with AEW. So, for us, it's been a big year, 2025, and now we're kind of on both sides of that equation. Uh, we are a big part of TBS and TNT, the crown jewels of the Global Network side, and then we're also a huge now part of Streaming and Studios with AEW streaming every week. So it's exciting. Two last ones for you. Let's say rapid-fire questions. First up, um, I need you to give wrestling fans what they want to know. There's been some chatter in the wrestling circles that WWE may be up for sale. TKO may want to take it out of portfolio. Any interest? I have not heard that. That's the first I've heard of that. I'm not sure about that. Next up, would you ever, we've seen a host of promoters become part of the storyline in wrestling. I watch AEW. I've not watched every episode, full disclosure. Are you the type of promoter that is going to take a chair to the head? Do you want to take a honky-tonk, uh, type of guitar to your head here? I really don't want to get into the ring, and I'd like to think of myself as the commissioner is more of a device. You know, when you watch NFL football, we have a great commissioner, he's done so many great things for the league, and, uh, the way the NFL features Roger, I think is fantastic. It's great to have the commissioner involved in the game. He makes the rulings from on high, but when you watch an NFL football game, it's not 47 minutes of Roger. And you don't need to see 47 minutes of me on Dynamite, nor do you ever really see me on the show, uh, as the matchmaker and the promoter. Uh, I'm a device on the show. Uh, and, uh, one time I was attacked, and I am very lucky to be sitting here with you right now, Brian. One year ago, I survived the deadliest move in pro wrestling, the Spike Piledriver. Ooh. The Spike Piledriver. They're still doing that? Yeah, it's banned in several states. It's illegal in the state of Tennessee. It's illegal in Mexico. And, uh, we'll be heading to Mexico this week. The first ever AEW show in Mexico is tomorrow. I'll be flying from here to Mexico City. I'm doing this with you and jumping on the plane and really, uh, you know, going from wire to wire. This is beautiful here, and Mexico City's going to be great. Uh, and, you know, I don't want to necessarily get into the ring. My one time, uh, I got tricked and attacked in the ring, uh, is enough to keep me out for life.
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Fan-Favorite AEW Superstar Missing From TV Due To Injury: Report
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A new report has revealed the reason for Jamie Hayter's current absence from All Elite Wrestling programming. The former AEW Women's World Champion is once again sidelined and is not medically cleared to compete. This marks another unfortunate setback for the star, who has a history of significant injuries. Her latest issue comes after a long road to recovery from a previous career-threatening ailment. Hayter Sidelined Following Recent Attack According to a report from Fightful Select, Hayter is not medically cleared for action, which is why she has been off television. Her last appearance was on the episode of AEW Dynamite following the Double or Nothing pay-per-view. On that show, Hayter was written out of storylines via an attack by the debuting Thekla. The report notes that AEW would be featuring Hayter on programming if she were available, and that creative plans involving Thekla have been adjusted due to Hayter's status. Hayter Previously Detailed Grueling Injury Recovery This current absence is especially concerning given the severity of the herniated discs that kept Hayter away from the ring for over a year. In a past interview with Renee Paquette, she detailed the grueling nature of that recovery. All Elite Wrestling ALL IN at Wembley Stadium in London on August 27, 2023. All Elite Wrestling ALL IN at Wembley Stadium in London on August 27, 2023. Courtesy of AEW "I wasn't even aware of the injury until it was really bad. I couldn't walk," Hayter recalled. "I couldn't even stand up straight. My body was at an angle, I just couldn't do anything." She explained that the pain was constant and debilitating. The injury made even simple daily tasks nearly impossible to complete. "I couldn't laugh, I couldn't sneeze, I couldn't cough, I couldn't sit down, I couldn't stand in the shower, I couldn't lay down on my back, I couldn't really do anything." More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation The Mental Toll Of Recovery The physical pain also led to a significant mental and emotional struggle. Hayter admitted that she began to question her passion for the wrestling business. "It got to a point where I was like I don't know if I even want to do it again. I don't know why," she said. "I think it was the pain and everything that happened. I just really wasn't sure. It was almost like I had to find myself again, find my purpose, and find my passion to do it again." She was bed-bound for months before she could begin to feel like herself again. "When the pain from my injury kind of subsided a little bit, that's when I could see the light a little bit more... When the pain subsided, I could start moving again. For me personally, being physical is my enjoyment; that is what I do best." More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Report: AEW Star Signed To New Long-Term Deal
Willow Nightingale isn't going anywhere anytime soon. According to a new report from Fightful Select's Sean Ross Sapp, Nightingale has re-signed with All Elite Wrestling on a multi-year contract. The exact terms of the deal are unknown, but Fightful's report notes that Nightingale is 'very happy' with the company, and wanted to stay with AEW. Advertisement Prior reports noted that Nightingale was in a contract year with the company. However, Fightful's previous report also mentioned that AEW was keen on keeping the star around. Throughout her career with AEW, Nightingale has been a mainstay in the company. She's a former AEW TBS Champion, and also won the 2023 Women's Owen Hart Cup. Currently, she's a member of The Conglomeration, alongside Mark Briscoe, Orange Cassidy, and Tomohiro Ishii. With Nightingale's contract situation wrapped up, eyes now turn elsewhere. Former AEW Women's World Champion Mariah May is also in a contract year. Her status remains unknown, with many believeing the star to be bound for WWE. READ MORE: Willow Nightingale Had The Nickname 'Godzilla' As A Kid For A Hilarious Reason Advertisement What do you make of this overall report? Are you excited to see Willow Nightingale back with AEW? Let us know your overall thoughts by sounding off in the comments section below. The post Report: AEW Star Signed To New Long-Term Deal appeared first on Wrestlezone.
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Is Jade Cargill's time to become WWE Women's champion upon us? Exploring the possibility for The Storm!
Jade Cargill's time to become the top star of the women's division might be nearing soon. made a huge signing back in 2023 when they acquired Jade Cargill, who left All Elite Wrestling to sign with the global juggernaut. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now She made her remarkable debut in the 2024 Women's Royal Rumble, and that night marked the beginning of her rise in the company. However, she has still not held a major singles title in the promotion. Yet, recent events and reports might be hinting that The Storm might be ready to take over the landscape. Jade Cargill has been positioned as a top singles star since her return to WWE For her first year in WWE, Jade Cargill was aligned with The EST of WWE, Bianca Belair. The duo was showcased as a dominant duo who took the tag team division by storm. In doing so, Cargill and Belair became the two-time WWE Women's Tag Team Champions. The Storm's momentum was derailed after she was mysteriously attacked backstage and was written off television. The former TBS Champion returned to WWE at the 2025 Elimination Chamber PLE. She began a feud with Naomi, who was revealed to be her attacker. Their rivalry led to a captivating bout at WrestleMania 41. However, since that point onwards, WWE had been pushing Cargill as a singles star. On the SmackDown following Mania, she was put in a singles bout against the reigning WWE Women's Champion, Tiffany Stratton. While Jade Cargill has not clinched a one-on-one championship match yet and missed many opportunities, she delivered some exceptional in-ring performances. This has made her a star in her own right. Moreover, it has been reported by PWInsider that she is in line for a major push and a top match at the all-women's Premium Live Event coming up, WWE Evolution 2. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Her opponent has been rumored to be Naomi, and the match is said to be a stipulation bout. Moreover, she is also taking part in the Queen of the Ring tournament, which would guarantee the winner a WWE Women's title match at SummerSlam 2025. With her incredible run so far, praise from backstage personnel, and multiple opportunities coming up, it seems that Cargill would be the next marquee star and hold major singles gold in the coming months. Also read:
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
What is former WWE star Ric Flair's net worth in 2025? Current earnings and more explored
Ric Flair, one of the most iconic names in professional wrestling, remains a household name in 2025. With a career spanning over five decades and countless accolades, Flair's legacy in the squared circle is unparalleled. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now But while his in-ring success is undisputed, fans continue to wonder: what is Ric Flair's net worth in 2025? What is Ric Flair's net worth in 2025 According to Celebrity Net Worth, Ric Flair's estimated net worth in 2025 stands at $500,000. The number may surprise many, considering his status as a 16-time World Champion and two-time WWE Hall of Famer. However, Flair's personal financial journey has seen its share of ups and downs, including legal troubles, medical expenses, and spending habits that he has openly discussed in the past. How does Ric Flair earn his money now? Although retired from active wrestling, Ric Flair remains involved in the industry through media appearances, endorsements, and his presence in All Elite Wrestling (AEW). He was last seen on AEW television in May 2025, paying tribute to his long-time friend Steve 'Mongo' McMichael on Collision. He also earns through endorsement deals. Flair's partnership with Adidas, which began in 2019, led to a merchandise line inspired by his flamboyant wrestling attire. He is also associated with brands like Roots of Fight and Wrestlecon. Flair has stepped into the business world with products that carry his signature style. His 'Ric Flair Drip' cannabis line, launched in collaboration with Mike Tyson, has generated significant buzz. He also owns 'Wooooo! Energy Drink,' a mushroom-based wellness beverage, and operates his own online merchandise store. Beyond wrestling, Flair has made multiple appearances in pop culture. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now From guest roles in TV shows like Baywatch and The Cleveland Show to voice overs in video games and animated series, his recognizable persona continues to resonate. His film appearance in Magic Mike XXL and hosting of the WOOOOO! Nation podcast added to his media profile. Flair, now 76, recently confirmed he is undergoing treatment for skin cancer—his second battle with the disease in three years. Despite health setbacks, he remains active in charity work, supporting children's hospitals and cancer research. From legendary wrestler to cultural icon, Ric Flair's story continues to evolve in 2025. While his net worth may not reflect his immense influence, his legacy - both inside and outside the ring, remains priceless. Also Read:
