AEW President Tony Khan has shed light on the company’s recent decision to run shows in smaller, more intimate venues.
The move comes after fan complaints about larger arenas creating a lacklustre atmosphere. In a recent interview with the Battleground podcast, Khan explained that the change allows for a unique viewing experience while maintaining AEW’s signature high-energy presentation.
“I think it just depends on the venue. I think for the pay-per-views, packing it in and bringing in 10-12 thousand fans, sometimes more, even the world attendance record we set in Wembley Stadium, over 81,000 tickets sold for AEW All In. These are great venues, great events,” Khan said. “But it’s also great to see wrestling presented, as we’ve been doing it, on TV in recent months, in some of the great theatres, amphitheatres.”
Khan pointed out that AEW’s home base, Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, is an amphitheatre, making it a fitting representation of the company’s TV product. He believes similar venues capture the same passionate atmosphere.
“So then in recent months, we’ve visited all these great theatres across America, and we’ve been able to find some of that same spirit, some of that same, excited passion and that packed house in these intimate venues,” Khan continued. “You’ve got Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. Recently, we had a great experience at the Andrew Brady Theater in Cincinnati. We were just at the Virgin Theater in Las Vegas.”
Khan made it clear that while the company will continue to run major events in large arenas, the smaller venues provide different but equally valuable energy.
“It’s different energy from these great pay-per-views in these huge arenas and stadiums. So I really enjoy it.”
What Did Tony Khan Say About The Absence Of Kamille From AEW?
Tony Khan spoke about the absence of Kamille since she was last seen on an episode of Rampage in November 2024 where she was attacked in a backstage segment. Khan said he isn’t sure who attacked Kamille and that he also isn’t sure when she will return, but believes that a match between her and recent signee Megan Bayne would be a great matchup.
H/t to Fightful.com