AEW President Tony Khan finally reacts to WWE's blockbuster partnership with TNA
AEW President Tony Khan has worked hard over the last few years in uniting several major promotions. The result is perhaps the biggest edition of Forbidden Door yet, with CMLL and Stardom set to join the fray. These partnerships seem to have sent a ripple across the wrestling world, as WWE is following suit with TNA, Marigold, and Pro Wrestling NOAH.
WWE has featured TNA Knockouts World Champion Jordynne Grace on its programming several times this year, and the partnership between the two former rival companies seems to be heating up. The bulk of the integration could happen in NXT, but it's still a massive change after more than two decades of the Stamford-based company's staunch isolationism.
Meanwhile, AEW is deep in Forbidden Door season, with the next edition of its annual crossover pay-per-view set to take place on June 30 at UBS Arena on Long Island. In a recent interview with TV Insider, Tony Khan was asked for his thoughts on WWE's partnership with TNA. He briefly addressed his love of cross-promotional partnerships and expressed his excitement for Forbidden Door 2024:
"I’m always open to working with great wrestling promotions all over the world," said Khan. "It feels like the spirit of cooperation in worldwide pro wrestling is greater than it has ever been, which is a big positive. Seeing the top stars of AEW go to Tokyo and compete at Wrestle Kingdom, I think that the fans can always count on AEW and New Japan to put on great collaborations. I think this year’s Forbidden Door will be one of the strongest shows any promotion will put anywhere in the world."
Tony Khan comments on Ricochet potentially joining AEW
One of the stories dominating wrestling headlines over the last week has been Ricochet's impending WWE departure. The One and Only reportedly gave his notice to the Stamford-based company ahead of his contract expiring.
Many fans expect the 35-year-old to join All Elite Wrestling, especially after Will Ospreay went to bat for him on social media. In the same interview with TV Insider, AEW President Tony Khan was asked about the high-flying star but remained noncommital, as Ricochet is still under WWE contract:
"If it’s okay, I’d rather not get into wrestlers that still work for someone else," Tony Khan said.
This year's Forbidden Door pay-per-view is set to feature major matches and potentially a few surprises. It remains to be seen if Ricochet will join the Jacksonville-based promotion.