AEW is ready for a second show, regardless of its launch date.
Speaking with Wrestling Observer Radio, Cody Rhodes was asked about a second show being added to AEW's TNT schedule and admitted that although no formal discussions have happened with Warner Media, they are prepared for when the trigger is pulled on the third hour. The American Nightmare would also say that he wouldn't be surprised if they used this opportunity to experiment with that idea.
One of the formats being considered would center directly around the younger men and women of AEW, saying it's hard enough for established talent to get on TV every week, and this would provide the company with an avenue to highlight countless up-and-coming talents with whom the audience is not yet entirely familiar. Cody credits Tony Khan for the proposal, calling it "Dynamite" and saying that he has "years and years worth of ideas." Recently, Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp reported that Khan has been taking more creative control as of late, contributing heavily to the Adam "Hangman" Page story.
In January when the news broke that TNT had extended AEW through 2023, many speculated that the new series they were hoping to launch would be a revamped version of Dark (AEW's weekly YouTube show which they film before and after Dynamite). Cody did his best to quash those rumors:
"Initially there was talk that it’ll be like Dark but on another channel. I don’t think it’ll be like Dark. I think it’s gonna be its own animal, and we would want that. We would want to test ourselves,” Cody said.
The conversation then pivoted towards secondary championships and when one might be introduced into AEW. Cody acknowledged that it is being discussed, but cautions that they're moving slowly.
"I think we have an idea that's different than anything that's been done and I would just hope that everyone remains patient. Their yearning, their lust for that type of belt - championship - I think will be satiated in 2020. Again, I'm not saying there's a mid-card title, because if I was to say that there is a mid-card title coming to AEW, Nick Jackson would superkick my skull clean off my head. We're moving slow. It's something that the EVP's all have to agree on, but there is a really great idea in gestation. There's a great idea out there. Hopefully something that maybe (will) come along with the third-hour news (as) that kind of becomes more prominent," Cody said.
Be sure to check out Fightful's Wednesday Night Wars podcast every week for a complete recap and rundown of AEW Dynamite and NXT.
