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Tony Khan's Strategic Acquisition of Ring of Honor: Future Implications for AEW and the Wrestling Industry
On March 2, 2022, Tony Khan, President of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), announced a groundbreaking move in the professional wrestling world with the acquisition of Ring of Honor (ROH). This purchase not only garnered significant attention but also sparked widespread speculation about the potential ramifications and strategic opportunities it could create for AEW and the broader wrestling landscape.
Strategic Expansion and Content Diversification
One of the immediate benefits of acquiring ROH is the vast enhancement of AEW's content library. ROH has a rich history dating back to its inception in 2002, known for its pure wrestling style and having nurtured many of today's wrestlers.
The acquisition allows AEW to diversify its programming. With ROH under its belt, AEW can experiment with different show formats, possibly reviving ROH's traditional events like 'Final Battle' or 'Supercard of Honor' under the AEW umbrella. These could serve as exclusive events on streaming platforms, enhancing viewer engagement through premium, on-demand wrestling content.
Talent Development
Tony Khan has also hinted at using ROH as a platform for developing emerging talent. This strategy could mirror the functionality of WWE’s NXT, serving as a proving ground for future stars while allowing them to hone their skills in a competitive environment.
Integration Challenges and Fan Reactions
However, the integration of ROH into AEW's operations presents potential challenges. Balancing the distinct brand identities and fan expectations of both AEW and ROH will be crucial. Fans of ROH, for instance, are known for their loyalty to the brand's wrestling-centric approach, which differs from AEW’s more entertainment-focused style.
There is also the task of managing talent rosters, event schedules, and creative directions in a way that benefits both entities without diluting their individual strengths.
Ring of Honor to Remain Independent from AEW, Pursues Streaming Opportunities for Weekly Show
In a significant announcement, Tony Khan has confirmed that Ring of Honor (ROH) will not merge with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) but will instead continue as a separate entity under the broader AEW umbrella. This strategic decision is accompanied by plans to launch a new weekly one-hour wrestling show for ROH, with a strong inclination towards streaming platforms over traditional television broadcasting.
Maintaining Independence to Preserve Brand Identity
By keeping ROH independent, Tony Khan aims to preserve the unique brand identity and legacy of ROH, which has been a cornerstone of American professional wrestling since 2002. This move has been met with positive reactions from fans.
Strategic Talent Sharing Agreement
Central to this strategy is a talent-sharing agreement between AEW and ROH, which will allow wrestlers to appear on both promotions' events and shows. This cross-promotion effort is designed to maximize the exposure of talent, potentially increasing fan engagement across both platforms.
Exploring Streaming as a Modern Solution
Regarding the new weekly show, Tony Khan’s team is actively exploring streaming options, recognizing the shift in viewer habits towards on-demand digital content. Streaming platforms offer flexibility in programming and the ability to reach a global audience without the constraints and geographical limitations associated with traditional TV broadcasts.
Rumors suggest that negotiations are underway with several major streaming services, which could potentially host the weekly ROH show.
Interim ROH Women’s World Championship:
Mercedes Martinez defeated Willow Nightingale
Jay Lethal defeated Lee Moriarty
Brian Cage defeated Ninja Mack
Swerve Strickland defeated Alex Zayne
AEW Secures Streaming Agreements with ViaPlay and Rakuten for ROH Weekly Show in Europe and the UK
In a strategic move to expand its international presence, All Elite Wrestling has successfully negotiated deals with ViaPlay for the UK market and Rakuten for broader European viewership. This partnership marks a significant milestone in ROH’s efforts to increase its global footprint by delivering a weekly wrestling show directly to fans across Europe and the United Kingdom via popular streaming platforms.
New Horizons for ROH
This new initiative comes as part of ROH’s ongoing strategy to remain an independent entity while leveraging the resources of its parent company, All Elite Wrestling (AEW). The agreements with ViaPlay and Rakuten enable ROH to broadcast a one-hour weekly show that promises to feature high-quality wrestling content, including matches and interviews.
Strategic Expansion into Digital Streaming
Recognizing the shifting dynamics of media consumption, particularly in the digital age, ROH’s decision to partner with ViaPlay and Rakuten reflects a forward-thinking approach.
In the UK, ViaPlay has established itself as a key player in the streaming service industry, offering a variety of sports and entertainment options. By adding ROH to its lineup, ViaPlay looks to bolster its offerings and attract a small but dedicated segment of wrestling fans.
Similarly, Rakuten, serving a diverse European audience, provides ROH with an opportunity to reach a wide and varied viewer base across multiple countries.
Setback for Ring of Honor: HBO Max Declines Weekly Show Proposal from Tony Khan
In a surprising turn of events, HBO Max, a streaming service owned by WarnerMedia, has reportedly declined a proposal from Tony Khan to host a weekly Ring of Honor (ROH) wrestling show. This decision comes as a setback for ROH, which is actively seeking to expand its digital footprint and accessibility through major streaming platforms.
The Pitch to HBO Max
Tony Khan, who acquired ROH in 2022, had been exploring various avenues to elevate the brand and broaden its reach. The pitch to HBO Max was seen as a strategic move, leveraging the existing relationship between AEW, also owned by Khan, and WarnerMedia. AEW’s programming is broadcast on TNT and TBS, which are part of the WarnerMedia group, suggesting a potential in-network synergy that ROH could benefit from.
Reasons Behind the Rejection
While specific details of the rejection have not been disclosed, industry analysts speculate that the decision could be based on several factors. These might include HBO Max's current strategic focus, programming fit, or budgetary constraints.
Another possibility is the saturation of the market with wrestling content. With AEW already a part of the WarnerMedia family and other wrestling promotions available on various platforms, HBO Max may have decided against adding another wrestling show to avoid redundancy.
Implications for Ring of Honor
This development is undoubtedly a disappointment for ROH, as securing a spot on HBO Max would have significantly boosted the brand's visibility and accessibility, particularly in the U.S. market.
Mixed Fortunes for Ring of Honor: Amazon Prime Video Passes, YouTube Premium Picks Up Weekly Show
Ring of Honor (ROH) has experienced a rollercoaster of developments in its efforts to secure a streaming partner for its new weekly wrestling show. While Amazon Prime Video has decided not to proceed with the ROH pitch, YouTube Premium has stepped in to host the show, marking a significant achievement for the wrestling promotion under Tony Khan's leadership.
Amazon's Decision to Pass
Amazon Prime Video, a major player in the streaming service market, was among the platforms approached by ROH as it sought a digital home for its weekly one-hour wrestling program. However, the streaming giant has opted not to add ROH to its diverse array of content. The reasons behind Amazon's decision remain speculative.
A New Home on YouTube Premium
Despite the setback with Amazon, ROH has quickly bounced back with the announcement that YouTube Premium will be the new home for its weekly show. This partnership is a major win for ROH, as YouTube Premium offers substantial reach and a robust platform for sports and entertainment content. YouTube's global presence and accessibility make it an ideal venue for ROH to connect with both existing fans and new audiences worldwide. However this comes at a cost, with the requirement that all Ring of Honor premium events and future All Elite Wrestling premium events become a timed exclusive to YouTube Premium in the USA.
Ring of Honor Launches Weekly Show: Debuts Live on May 7th
Excitement builds in the wrestling community as Ring of Honor (ROH) announces the premiere of its much-anticipated weekly show, set to stream live on May 7th. In a move that caters to both live viewers and those preferring on-demand consumption, ROH has also confirmed that the episodes will be available on demand starting from May 9th, just two days after the live broadcast.
Strategic Streaming Availability
The show will be available on YouTube Premium, aligning with ROH's strategy to leverage modern digital platforms that cater extensively to a global audience. This platform not only ensures wide accessibility but also enhances viewer engagement through interactive features and high-quality streaming capabilities.
The two-day window between the live broadcast and the on-demand availability is strategically designed to maintain the excitement and immediacy of live viewing while also accommodating fans who may prefer or require a more flexible viewing schedule. This approach also benefits international viewers, addressing different time zones without diminishing the live experience's allure.
What to Expect in the Premiere
The first episode is poised to set a high standard for the series. Following the dramatic events and setup from Supercard of Honor XV, the premiere is expected to feature thrilling matches, ongoing storylines, and perhaps a few surprises that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
The Roster
Bandido
Brian Cage
Cash Wheeler
Dalton Castle
Dax Harwood
Dragon Lee
Ethan Page
Jay Briscoe
Jay Lethal
Jonathan Gresham
Josh Woods
Lee Moriarty
Kip Sabian
Mark Briscoe
Matt Sydal
Minoru Suzuki
Samoa Joe
Shawn Dean
Sonjay Dutt
Swerve Strickland
Tony Nese
Anna Jay
Deonna Purrazzo
Mercedes Martinez
Miranda Alize
Penelope Ford
Skye Blue
Willow Nightingale
ROH Men's World Championship
Jonathan Gresham
ROH Interim Women's World Championship
Deonna Purrazzo
ROH Interim Women's World Championship
Mercedes Martinez
ROH World Tag Team Championship
FTR (AEW Contract)
ROH World Television Championship
Minoru Suzuki
ROH Pure Championship
Wheeler Yuta (AEW Contract)
A new era in the world of Ring of Honor is upon as for the first time, we are streaming live on YouTube Premium in the USA and those across the pond will be able to tune in on their respective platforms in a true first for the Ring of Honor brand!
Expect fast paced, hard-hitting action as to commemorate the first episode since All Elite Wrestling’s acquisition, we will see the very first championship match when Minoru Suzuki puts his ROH Television Championship on the line against All Ego, Ethan Page. It has only been one month since Suzuki won the gold, and since this is the first televised episode of ROH, it is only fitting that the television title will be on the line. Ethan Page—perhaps shunned from AEW—has made the jump over to ROH and will be looking to put his stamp on the brand as he aims to dethrone the Japanese star.
And in breaking news, the first episode of the new era will kick off with an appearance by a Ring of Honor Hall of Famer, AEW star, CM Punk! A former ROH World Heavyweight Champion and ROH Tag Team Champion, the outspoken AEW wrestler will be here for one night only as he kicks off the new era. But what – if any – will any of the current ROH wrestlers have to say about that?
One month ago, Lee Moriarty failed to defeat Jay Lethal at Supercard of Honor, but tonight the ROH star gets another chance to impress with Matt Sydal cheering him on, as Moriarty will face off against the formidable Brian Cage – who will undoubtedly have the legendary, Tully Blanchard in his corner.
All that and more to come, on the first episode of the new era in ROH!
It actually pains me how much the revival of Ring of Honor has been botched by the creative responsible by Tony Khan. I've toyed with this project as an idea in the past. There's so much you can do, especially with the roster made possible by the bombastic line-up afforded by AEW. I really like that you are choosing to take the digital direction to getting feelers put out for the ROH product, that aren't hidden behind paywalls such as HonorClub and FITE TV (though I'm sure those will be nefarious means for future supercards and PPVs). YouTube Premium is a very effective tool. I'm curious to see how you set this all up, and I do hope there is effective usage of Universal Studios in Orlando to accommodate the tapings.
I'll be watching, very curious to see how the first group of storylines are assembled in the first few shows.
Somehow I had missed this one until now. Very much looking forward to seeing how you rekindle the spirit of ROH with this reset of sorts. Wishing you the best of luck with this, looking forward to the first show, and obviously hopefully some talent getting a rub from liaising with CM Punk.
