Tony Khan asked about Ricochet, WWE working with TNA

In a new interview with TV Insider’s Scott Fishman, AEW owner, president & head of creative fielded questions about a couple topics that have had the wrestle world buzzing the past few weeks.

Ricochet has reportedly given notice to WWE, and it sure looked like the company wrote him off on Monday night in what was was believed to be the last date he’s scheduled to work for them. Rumors suggest Ricochet is now AEW-bound, with one of Khan’s big recent free agent signings — Will Ospreay — publicly advocating for his old rival to become All Elite.

Asked for his thoughts on Ricochet as a performer, Khan replied:

“If it’s okay, I’d rather not get into wrestlers that still work for someone else.”

Which could mean that Ricochet’s contract hasn’t reached its expiration date yet, even if he’s worked all the dates spelled out in it and/or WWE has no plans to use him again before it does. Or it could just be TK playing coy to protect a surprise. We’ll know soon enough.

Fishman also inquired about Khan’s thoughts on the seemingly ongoing collaboration between WWE and TNA. It’s a relevant question given that Khan is promoting AEW’s third annual Forbidden Door PPV with New Japan Pro-Wrestling throughout the interview, but aslo because AEW worked extensively with TNA (then Impact) early its history, with the Tonys Khan & Schiavone featured in ads during Impact during the pandemic and Kenny Omega holding the Impact World title in 2021.

Khan’s answer focused on his own current partnerships — and plugging Forbidden Door, natch, But he did say that more cooperation between promotions worldwide is “a big positive” for the pro wrestling business.

“Since we launched AEW we’ve been looking to work with great wrestling companies across the planet. The relationship with New Japan Pro Wrestling developed in 2021 and built to the point where we teamed to do a co-branded event like Forbidden Door. We’re approaching the third one. It’s a whole new level of great cooperation between wrestling promotions to see the stars of CMLL and Stardom in addition to the great wrestlers from New Japan Pro Wrestling competing with AEW stars.

“I’m always open to working with great wrestling promotions all over the world. It feels like the spirit of cooperation in worldwide pro wrestling is greater than it has ever been, which is a big positive. Seeing the top stars of AEW go to Tokyo and compete at Wrestle Kingdom, I think that the fans can always count on AEW and New Japan to put on great collaborations. I think this year’s Forbidden Door will be one of the strongest shows any promotion will put anywhere in the world.”

You can check out Fishman’s entire piece on his chat with AEW’s head honcho here.