AEW set to receive seven figure amount from Ohio; possible pay-per-view on the cards?
AEW is set to receive a seven-figure amount from Ohio, according to a recent announcement. The tax credit in question could indicate a possible future pay-per-view event in the state.
Despite persistent criticism regarding its ongoing creative direction and the recent decline in weekly television ratings, AEW has continued to present top-tier wrestling on its programming across its three shows. The promotion recently presented the 250th episode of its flagship show Dynamite, and CEO Tony Khan has voiced optimism regarding his company's business and broadcasting future amidst talks with Warner Bros. Discovery. Now, the company has received a major financial boost from the state of Ohio.
According to a recent announcement from The Ohio Department of Development and Governor Mike DeWine, tax credit amounting to nearly $ 36.7 million has been allotted to support multiple film, television, and other media-related projects in the Buckeye State. AEW was included among the list of beneficiaries, and the Tony Khan-led promotion is set to receive a $1,275,000 tax credit for programs in Cleveland and another as-of-yet-unnamed city in Ohio.
Notably, WWE received a $ 1.6 million tax credit from the state of Ohio in February, and is gearing up to present the 2024 edition of its annual pay-per-view Summerslam in Cleveland on August 4. All Elite Wrestling will return to Ohio for Collision on September 12 later this year, with the Saturday-night show tentatively set to emanate from the Nutter Center in Dayton. The tax credit received by the company could potentially lead to All Elite Wrestling establishing a stronger foothold in Ohio, and may also indicate the prospect of a pay-per-view being held in the state.
AEW President Tony Khan voiced interest in renaming ROH
Two years ago, Tony Khan revealed live on Dynamite that he had purchased Ring of Honor. ROH has operated as a sister promotion to All Elite Wrestling since then, with both companies prominently featuring talent from each other's locker rooms. However, fans and veterans have critiqued Khan over his handling of ROH, citing the promotion's lack of a distinct identity and roster, as well as its perception as a platform for stars who do not receive screen time on All Elite Wrestling TV.
Ring of Honor recently presented the 2024 edition of Death Before Dishonor earlier this month. Speaking on the post-show media scrum, Tony Khan shared the view that ROH could benefit from its link with AEW's brand. The All Elite President further seemingly voiced his openness to renaming Ring of Honor as "AEW: ROH" in order to help Ring of Honor grow further.
It remains to be seen how TK continues to book All Elite Wrestling television en route to All In 2024 next month.