Tony Khan Recalls Early AEW-NJPW Cold War
“a bit of a cold war between us— Tony Khan
Tony Khan views the current relationship between AEW and NJPW as a strong partnership. He acknowledged during a Full Gear media call that the two promotions did not have the best relationship in the early years.
Khan described a cold war between AEW and NJPW in 2019 and 2020. The situation improved in 2021 through connections with key figures including Rocky Romero and Gedo.
Links between the promotions existed earlier through wrestlers such as Jon Moxley and Chris Jericho who worked in both. These ties helped lead to an agreement that resulted in the first Forbidden Door event in 2022.
Khan expressed that he is thrilled to contribute AEW talent to January’s Wrestle Kingdom. Performers including Moxley, Kenny Omega and MJF are set to appear in order to strengthen the show.
When asked about a potential return of Wrestle Dynasty, Khan stated that AEW is sending wrestlers to support a strong event at the Tokyo Dome alongside Wrestle Kingdom. He noted that the January card closely resembles what a Wrestle Dynasty show would look like.
Khan said AEW is supporting NJPW and observed that the promotion appears to be drawing on AEW’s roster of top wrestlers to build the event.
Story timeline · 16 reports
- On the Record: Tony Khan Breaks Down Growth Of AEW And NJPW Since “Cold War” In 2019 And 2020AEW and New Japan Pro Wrestling’s relationship has reached new heights, and Tony Khan is very happy with that.
- Tony Khan Recalls Early AEW-NJPW Cold WarAEW president Tony Khan described the 2019 and 2020 relationship between AEW and NJPW as a "cold war" during a media call ahead of Full Gear.
- Tony Khan prioritizes wrestling over money in new TV talksTony Khan addressed the uncertainty around AEW's future following Paramount's purchase of Warner Bros.
- Tony Khan explains The Cut name changeAfter Jay White's Bang Bang Gang aligned with members of The Dogs to create a new heel group in AEW, White referred to them as The Last Outfit during a promo…
- Tony Khan Gives Full Gear Media Call UpdatesTony Khan held a media call on Thursday to discuss this Saturday's AEW Full Gear event.
- On the Record: Tony Khan Discusses Full Gear, AEW-NJPW Cold War With SlamPer Tony Khan, it was Jon Moxley, Chris Jericho and Rocky Romero who helped end the cold war that existed between NJPW and AEW to the point that they are.
- Tony Khan Details Early Skydance Talks for AEWDuring a media call promoting Full Gear, Tony Khan said he has held four meetings with Skydance regarding AEW's future domestic media rights.
- Tony Khan Discusses The Cut Name ChangeAn alliance of the Bang Bang Gang and The Dogs first formed in October and initially went by The Last Outfit.
- Tony Khan Holds Full Gear Media CallAEW President and CEO Tony Khan participated in a media call on Thursday to promote the upcoming Full Gear pay-per-view scheduled for this Saturday.
- Tony Khan Discusses Full Gear and Skydance MeetingsAEW President Tony Khan expressed excitement for Saturday's Full Gear pay-per-view during a Thursday media call, stating it is the most optimistic he has felt…
- Tony Khan Not Negotiating New AEW Media Rights Deal YetAEW President Tony Khan addressed questions about the company's media rights agreement with Warner Bros.
- Tony Khan Not Negotiating New AEW Media Rights Deal YetDuring a media call ahead of the 2026 Full Gear pay-per-view, AEW President Tony Khan addressed questions about the company's media rights agreement with…
- Tony Khan’s AEW Full Gear Media Call Highlights for November 11, 2026Per Ringside News: khan opened the call by saying he’s excited about Full Gear and feels better than ever about AEW’s future.
- Tony Khan’s AEW Full Gear Media Call Highlights for November 12, 2026Per Ringside News: khan opened the call by saying he’s excited about Full Gear and feels better than ever about AEW’s future.
- Results Recap: Tony Khan has subtly Locked In major Full Gear title match result on AEW DynamiteThat explained, it seems like Khan has subtly made official the ending of a major title match on the card for the pay-per-view.
Sources: Wrestling Observer · Wrestle Purists · Monthly Puroresu · Cageside Seats · Slam Wrestling · Fightful