Tony Khan Turned Down Talks With CW Network
Tony Khan turned down the chance to discuss a deal with The CW.
On November 7th it was announced that NXT will be leaving the USA Network and heading to The CW. It’s been reported that the deal is worth “more than double” the $15 million WWE received for its current deal.
The confirmation came after it was reported that the NWA was on the verge of finalising its own deal with the company. However, that deal now appears to be in jeopardy, with content seeming heading to The CW app, rather than television.
It’s now been reported by Nick Hausman that a high-level CW executive approached AEW and ROH boss Tony Khan at the LA Forum in June 2022. The executive made the approach regarding a move for Ring of Honor to the network. However, Khan declined the talks.
“From what we understand, Khan did not pursue talks with The CW as he refuses to seriously entertain new deals for ROH until AEW TV rights are in play, which will be in 2024. Khan feels that by waiting, he will have more options and leverage in the marketplace.”
There were said to be no issues between Khan and the executive, the AEW boss simply didn’t feel it was the right time to discuss a deal.
The report adds that at least two other wrestling promotions were recently in talks with The CW.
Tony Khan Criticised For Handling Of Ring Of Honor
Tony Khan has been criticised for his booking of Ring of Honor. Former ROH boss Cary Silkin recently said that the promotion has lost something since Khan purchased it in March 2022.
“It’s still alive today, but it’s…it doesn’t have… even in the worst times of my Ring of Honor, even in the worst times of the Sinclair Ring of Honor, there was like ‘We’re all in this together’ kind of,
It was a family; the fans are family. And I like Tony Khan, and he’s a good guy, and he’s got so much on his plate that I just think the current Ring of Honor is… I can’t come up with the right words,” he continued. “And maybe I’m sour grapes a little. But it’s not gelled together properly.”
ROH’s next special event, Final Battle will take place on December 15th.