Wrestling companies have united in recent months as AEW, NJPW, and IMPACT Wrestling have all began to work together.
NJPW working with AEW and IMPACT Wrestling seemed out of the question a year ago as talk of the "forbidden door" being closed stole headlines when Chris Jericho went to New Japan to wrestle Hiroshi Tanahashi. While AEW stars would head over to Japan for major NJPW events, NJPW stars would not come to AEW until KENTA kicked in the door with his appearance on AEW Dynamite.
IMPACT Wrestling, who established a working relationship with AEW thanks to Don Callis, has also rebuilt a bridge with NJPW as well.
Appearing on Wrestle Fetish, AEW President Tony Khan discussed major companies working together.
"Hopefully, you can create a synergy where together, the two companies are stronger than they were as two individuals. I think that's happening with the relationships we're building. We're starting to see things that are helping both sides and creating a buzz that is bigger than just one company. The biggest thing in relationships with me is to treat people really well and be honest with people. I true to and I don't bat 1.000, but I try to treat people well and that's why people like to work [for AEW]. I think people have had a good experience, for the most part. I try to be honest with people about what I'm looking for and I do think that sets us apart from some other wrestling companies. In dealing with other wrestling companies, I try to treat them the same way. Whether it's Scott [D'Amore] and Don [Callis] or the folks from New Japan, I try to treat them with a lot of respect off-camera and on-camera, I don't necessarily treat everyone with respect [laughs]. I don't want to be a character like that on our show. For the relationship off-camera, it's very important, but you have to protect your own company. Sometimes, we're all too protective and there is a balance. There is a fine line you have to walk it very carefully where you protect your own company but also do interesting things," he said. "A lot of our wrestlers have been big stars in New Japan. There are a lot of people that have been in New Japan and know it well. A lot of fans watch both companies and that's great. I encourage that and want people to be fans of both companies."
Khan has made weekly appearances on IMPACT under the guise of "paid advertisements" where he buries IMPACT and promotes the upcoming episode of AEW Dynamite.
When asked about potentially working with WWE and NXT, Khan replied, "They are more than welcome. As I've said, the forbidden door is open. Just come and knock. If they were to knock on the door, then I would certainly be willing to let them in."
He stated that if NXT wanted to show up on Wednesdays to an episode of Dynamite the way D-X did on an episode of WCW Nitro, he would gladly let them in.
Cody made similar comments regarding a potential relationship with WWE, saying there is no reason for a potential crossover in the future. You can find his full comments by clicking here.
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