AEW President and CEO Tony Khan provided a wide-ranging update on the company’s business and creative direction during the AEW Full Gear 2026 media call held on Thursday, November 12, touching on AEW’s television future with Skydance, the complicated history between AEW and New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and his praise for newcomer Marcus Mathers.
Skydance Discussions Continue, No New Deal Yet
Khan confirmed he has already met four times with Skydance’s CEO as questions continue to swirl around AEW’s media future following the corporate changes involving Warner Bros. Discovery. Despite the repeated meetings between the two leaders, Khan made clear that a new media rights agreement is not currently being negotiated. The update offers the clearest public timeline yet of how actively Khan and Skydance’s leadership have been engaging since the corporate shake-up began affecting AEW’s broadcast partner.
AEW and NJPW’s Rocky History
Khan also used the call to address the sometimes strained relationship between AEW and New Japan Pro-Wrestling, acknowledging that the partnership between the two promotions was not always as strong as it is today. While discussing AEW’s involvement in the upcoming NJPW Wrestle Kingdom event, Khan suggested that the Wrestle Dynasty show, a joint AEW-NJPW supercard, may not return. His comments offered rare insight into past friction between the companies even as the two sides currently maintain a working relationship.
Marcus Mathers Draws Praise From Khan
Elsewhere on the call, Khan discussed Marcus Mathers, a former WWE ID prospect who has caught the AEW President’s attention following a strong recent stretch of performances. Khan said he was impressed by Mathers and indicated the young wrestler could see more opportunities across both AEW and Ring of Honor going forward. The comments mark one of the clearest public endorsements Khan has given a newer addition to the roster in recent months, suggesting Mathers could factor into programming on both AEW’s flagship shows and ROH in the near term.
Khan additionally addressed the newly formed faction The Cut during the same call, explaining the reasoning behind changing the group’s original name from The Last Outfit to its current branding, as AEW continues building toward Full Gear 2026.
