Tony Khan, the President of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), has expressed his thoughts on the potential rebranding of Ring of Honor (ROH) under the AEW banner. During a recent media scrum following the ROH: Death Before Dishonor event, Khan discussed the ongoing negotiations with Warner Bros Discovery regarding media rights and hinted at the possibility of ROH being rebranded as AEW ROH.
Khan emphasized that there are numerous valuable channels within the Warner Bros Discovery family, and he believes that ROH could gain significant exposure if it were to be associated more closely with AEW. He stated, “There are a lot of great channels in the Warner Bros Discovery family. We’re having great conversations with them now. I think it’s not crazy at all to think that Ring of Honor could be televised in the Warner Bros Discovery family.”
The idea of rebranding ROH as AEW ROH is not just a passing thought for Khan. He believes that such a move could enhance the brand’s value. “Would Ring of Honor frankly have a lot more value as AEW Ring of Honor? Yeah, it probably would,” he said. This rebranding could lead to a more cohesive integration of ROH into the existing AEW framework, which Khan believes would not negatively impact the promotion.
Khan is proud of what ROH has become but recognizes AEW’s position at the forefront of professional wrestling. He stated, “I think ROH holds an important place. But I also recognize that AEW is at the very top of pro wrestling.” He sees the potential for ROH to benefit from a stronger association with AEW, suggesting that licensing or sublicensing the brand as AEW ROH could be advantageous.
He further elaborated, “I don’t think that’s a crazy thing and I don’t think that would be sacrilegious or bad. I think it would actually be good for everybody.” Khan believes that this rebranding could help fans see the connections between the two promotions and the overall vision they share.
The conversation around ROH’s future comes after Khan’s acquisition of the promotion, which he announced during an episode of AEW Dynamite. This acquisition included ROH’s extensive video library, which dates back to 2002. Khan has indicated his intention to produce new content under the ROH banner and to organize future events.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on ROH was significant, leading to a hiatus and a rebranding effort. As part of this transition, talent contracts were not renewed, and the company announced it would not hold shows in early 2022. However, with Khan at the helm, there is optimism for ROH’s revival and growth.
Khan’s vision for ROH aligns with the broader strategy of AEW, which has quickly established itself as a major player in the wrestling industry. The promotion has attracted top talent, many of whom have roots in ROH, including CM Punk, Bryan Danielson, and Adam Cole. The synergy between AEW and ROH could create new opportunities for storytelling and talent development.
As discussions with Warner Bros Discovery continue, the wrestling community is eager to see how these plans unfold. The potential rebranding of ROH as AEW ROH could mark a new chapter for the promotion, one that leverages the strengths of both brands to reach a wider audience.
Khan’s comments have sparked a conversation among fans and industry insiders about the future of ROH. Many are curious whether this rebranding will happen sooner rather than later and how it will affect the wrestling landscape.
In conclusion, Tony Khan’s vision for rebranding Ring of Honor under the AEW banner reflects a strategic approach to enhance the brand’s value and visibility. As the wrestling world watches closely, the potential for a more integrated and cohesive wrestling experience is on the horizon.
Source: Wrestlezone
