Ahead of Full Gear presented by DC this Saturday, AEW President Tony Khan sat down for a media call to discuss the PPV and the current momentum AEW has.
After two matches were added to the show last night, here’s a look at the updated card. Matches 1 through 4 will be on the Tailgate Brawl.
1P. Boom and Doom (with Big Justice) vs. RPG Vice
2P. (FKA The Acclaimed) vs. Bang Bang Gang vs. Big Bill and Bryan Keith vs. The Outrunners
3P. El Sky Team vs. DCF (Kazuchika Okada, Konosuke Takeshita, and Hechicero)
4P. HOOK and Eddie Kingston vs. The Workhorsemen
5. Kris Statlander (c) vs. Mercedes Mone for the AEW Women’s World Championship
6. “Hangman” Adam Page (c) vs. Samoa Joe in a Steel Cage Match for the AEW Men’s World Championship
7. Brodido vs. FTR for the AEW Men’s World Tag Team Championships
8. Kenny Omega and Jurassic Express vs. The Young Bucks and Josh Alexander for a $1M prize
9. Men’s Casino Gauntlet Match for the inaugural AEW National Champion
10. Kyle Fletcher (c) vs. Mark Briscoe for the TNT Championship (No DQ) *If Briscoe loses, he will be forced to join the DCF.
11. Darby Allin vs. PAC
12. Babes of Wrath vs. Sisters of Sin vs. Timeless Love Bombs vs. Megan Bayne and Marina Shafir in a 4-way tag match. Winning team chooses stipulation in their semi-final match.
Tony Khan starts off by signifying his excitement for this time of the year.
Kris Statlander will defend her AEW Women’s World Championship against a familiar foe in Mercedes Mone. Khan mentions Statlander as the current leader of the women’s division while also commending Mone’s work ethic and her versatility. Two of the top women in the promotion.
In his time running AEW, Khan says he has learned so much. He was recently asked by Ariel Helwani about his experiences and what he’s learned but didn’t get a chance to adequately answer that. Khan mentions a wish for a time machine, undoubtedly a common thought. He says he’s learning daily and adapt from show to show. He regrets not ever getting the Briscoes on an AEW show, a thought he has daily.
Khan reiterates his appreciation for Warner Brothers and the freedoms they give him within the world of sports media. He also mentions his gratitude for the connections he’s made in sports media through his father’s NFL connections. He’s optimistic about the future of AEW.
Full Gear will have a men’s Casino Gauntlet to crown the inaugural AEW National Champion. Khan is excited to create a new tradition and spread AEW’s influence. Ring of Honor Final Battle will have the AEW National Champion defend the title, a first for ROH under Khan. The last Casino Gauntlet AEW had was at All In in July.
Khan says that, although every show will not have a 100% approval rating, he welcomes the criticism because it not only brings attention to the product but that he also uses the feedback to improve the product.
As well as being part of a trios match at Full Gear, Kazuchika Okada will be NJPW’s Hiroshi Tanahashi’s final opponent in January at Wrestle Kingdom. The scheduling worked out perfectly for Okada to be able to make it to Japan for the match. Khan is grateful for the collaboration and the opportunity for Okada to represent AEW at the TokyoDome on January 4.
Khan commends the women who participated in the first-ever women’s Blood and Guts match last week. He is proud of the women for giving it their all and for putting on a spectacular event. The network was thrilled with the event. Khan says the match will not be a one-off. The match worked into the story lines of the women’s division, which was imperative to Khan. He also shouts out the men’s match and those involved. Despite all the violence, everyone in both matches exceeded expectations.
Closing the call, Khan reiterated his gratitude for the media and mentions the third annual Continental Classic. Pending everyone’s ability to participate, those involved will be announced next week, coming out of the Full Gear. Both 2023’s and 2024’s Continental Classics were among the best work AEW has done. The only change he’s had to make in the tournament so far was replacing Juice Robinson due to injury. AEW has been fortunate in the tournament’s logistics. He’s going to make sure everyone he wants is able to participate coming out of Full Gear. The timing of the Continental Classic works perfectly, according to Khan, as it provides fans with (US) Thanksgiving and Christmas viewing.
He ends the call by vocalizing his gratitude for the media and for their commitment to covering All Elite Wrestling.
AEW Full Gear airs from Newark, NJ on Saturday at 8pm.
