Tony Khan Discusses AEW’s Working Relationship With NJPW

Ever since the inception of AEW back in January 1st, 2019, the world of pro wrestling has hoped and wondered which promotion, if any, AEW will have a working relationship with. One of those promotions is NJPW as some of AEW’s biggest stars have wrestled there in the past including Chris Jericho, Kenny Omega and Jon Moxley.

Despite NJPW Stars not having any matches in AEW as of yet, current AEW World Champion Jon Moxley is also the current IWGP United States Champion for NJPW and one of NJPW’s top star in Hiroshi Tanahashi made an appearance for “Le Champion” Chris Jericho’s 30th Anniversary Celebration, albeit via video.

AEW President and CEO Tony Khan recently spoke to TSN regarding AEW’s current relationship with NJPW, noting that since former President and CEO of NJPW Harold Meij left the company this past month, perhaps more things can get worked out with the two promotions.

This is what Tony Khan said:

“With New Japan, it’s been a little more one-sided where we’ve sent people there and I haven’t really had people from New Japan show up on my TV [programming] yet.” “I’d like to see more of a two-sided relationship there because I’m honestly one of the easiest people to work with in wrestling. We’ve worked with NWA, we’ve worked with AAA, and we’ve sent people to New Japan. I think with Harold being gone, I don’t know if it’s going to be easier, but I have a feeling it might be.”

Khan went on to say that he would like for AEW to be the center point of the pro wrestling world, where all the big stories culminate. Khan also said that he is open to working with any promotion as long as it makes sense.

This is what Tony Khan said:

“I’d like for AEW to be the center point of the wrestling world where all these big stories culminate.” “So I’m really open to working with anybody if the situation makes sense for us.”

Khan also talked about a third show, aside from Dynamite and Dark, coming to TNT in 2021.

This is what Tony Khan said:

“It’s going to launch in 2021.” “We’ve worked it out with TNT. It’s one-hundred percent going to launch in 2021. I don’t have the exact date yet, but I would look out for it soon and it’s right around the corner.”