Tony Khan, AEW’s head of media relations, said that Ricky Starks was still under contract and highly regarded with AEW during the hour-long press conference held on Thursday ahead of Sunday’s All In.
Khan responded to a question regarding Starks’s status. Khan was very complimentary about Starks but did not provide any details on where he had been since March. He also did not address rumors that Starks refused to turn babyface to settle a feud between him and his former partner Big Bill.
Khan did not ask about Ricochet’s signing of an AEW contract, despite a 15-minute-old report.
Khan was asked why Dynamite did not air live in the UK or if an effort was made to do so. He said that it is illegal for him to be able to do this due to his WBD Rights and that WBD pays 97 percent of their TV revenue. He also said that Triller had some problems in the past with the stream of the program. He would like to be able to simulcast the show on ITV in the future even if the UK time was late. But they have to overcome obstacles.
Khan refused to answer the question about whether or not WBD’s exclusive negotiating window would end and if other parties might be interested. However, he did mention that he had spent time with WBD executive team members and that things have never been more positive. He also confirmed that he met David Zaslav during the Olympics in Paris.
Khan opened the call by confirming that more information will be forthcoming. They are considering running an event in Australia for 2025. The Sporting News in Australia reported last week that the company is in the planning stages of running a stadium event.
Other notes:
- He also said the Von Erichs will be in London this weekend for All In.
- Asked about where the 2026 All In will be held in the UK, Khan didn’t answer directly other than saying how much he loves London.
- Asked about why All In is heading to Texas next year, Khan said he loves Texas and that new chief operating officer Kosha Irby came up with the idea.
- Asked about returns or debuts for the Casino gauntlet match, Khan detoured and said he invented the match while at Daily’s Place and is the favorite one he created, opining maybe he should move his office down there permanently due to all the magic coming out of there.
Tony Khan AEW Media Call Notes: Ricky Starks Australia, why Dynamite doesn’t live in the UK in todays Wrestling news, Chatalong Chatbox, Results will be Hidden inside a spoiler Button so you will not bet spoiled about direct results.
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