UK-based AEW fans have been clamouring for a show on this side of the border and at long last, Tony Khan looks set to fulfil the dream.
Since its inauguration in January 2019, fans of All Elite Wrestling have waited with bated breath for the announcement of a UK AEW event. It’s yet to happen, largely due to the pandemic, but plans appear to be on the move to make such an event happen.
Talking to Robbie Fox on the My Mom’s Basement podcast, Tony Khan confirmed his intention of hosting a live AEW card in both the United Kingdom and Canada:
“Yes, I plan to go to both of those places, and hopefully both of them in the next year. The UK may be a little bit further off. But next summer, I don’t think it’s that crazy. I don’t think it’s outside the realm of possibility and that gives us a lot of time to plan it and make it really special. So I have some ideas for events and things we can do in the UK, that would still not cut into our business revenue in America and create new inventory and new revenue in the UK.
So I’m excited for that. So, I think next summer would be a really exciting time for that, but not kicking it down the road another year and another year after that, I hope we can really lock in some plans now the travel has finally become more stable and reliable.”
The United Kingdom has proven to be a valuable audience for AEW. The Tony Khan-helmed promotion recently posted its highest UK rating to date, breaking its previous record with the broadcast of Dynamite’s 22 June – aired 24 June in the UK – episode. This had the benefit of being the go-home Dynamite before the Forbidden Door pay-per-view.
AEW’s only UK ties right now come via select roster members. Anthony Ogogo, Kip Sabian, and PAC – who recently became the first AEW All Atlantic Champion – all hail from the UK. New Japan’s Will Ospreay also featured on AEW programming in the build towards Forbidden Door, which no doubt contributed to Dynamite breaking its UK rating record.