The wait is over! AEW Dynamite and AEW Rampage are finally coming to Phoenix, and it promises to be an unforgettable night for wrestling fans. In an exclusive interview with KTAR News, AEW founder and CEO Tony Khan shared his excitement for the event and what fans can expect.
“I think what you get when you go to a pro wrestling show is a bit of the best of sports and the kind of entertainment that you get in TV and movies,” Khan said. “There’s great stories, there’s rivalries, and they pay off in these great matches.”
Khan, who also serves as the chief football strategy officer for the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars and director of football operations for the Premier League’s Fulham, is well aware of the athletic abilities of these performers.
“The athletes are every bit as hard-working and dedicated to their craft as any other athlete,” he explained. “Pro wrestling takes a lot of training and dedication, and it’s a business that has fans in every corner of the planet.”
AEW, founded in 2019, has been making its rounds on the West coast this year, after the pandemic and lockdowns slowed down its touring efforts across the United States. With shows in Las Vegas, the Pacific Northwest, and California, Phoenix is the next stop for the AEW train.
“Phoenix is such a great town for pro wrestling,” Khan said. “A lot of great events have been held in the city, and AEW has a lot of fans around the Phoenix area that watch the shows every week.”
In the buildup for the excitement of AEW Dynamite in Phoenix, some of its top stars will be making the rounds and hosting meet and greets in the area. On Tuesday, February 21st 2023, Britt Baker and Jamie Hayter will be meeting fans and signing autographs at Tempe Arizona’s Toy Temple. Meanwhile, on the same day, Glendale will be getting a post-Superbowl boost with Ethan Page, Brody King, and Danhausen as they appear at TriForce Collectibles.
The weekly television shows are a build-up to AEW’s quarterly PPV events, with AEW Revolution being the next one on March 5th, live from San Francisco. The main event will feature AEW’s world heavyweight champion Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) defending his title in a 60-minute ironman match against Bryan Danielson.
“He’s so charismatic, he drives the fans crazy,” Khan said of MJF. “He’s one of the biggest villains in pro wrestling, but certainly captivates the attention of the fans.”
On the other hand, Danielson, the good guy, is a beloved technical wrestler and a fan favorite. “One of the most intense, one of the most capable, one of the most beloved technical wrestlers of all time,” Khan said.
AEW fans in the desert southwest have a lot to look forward to on Wednesday night. In the Road To AEW Revolution, the matches are set to thrill and electrify as AEW stars step into the squared circle. With Dynamite and Rampage, fans can expect daring feats of athleticism, championship matches, and riveting storytelling as they root for their favorites.
So, if you don’t have plans for Wednesday night, make your way to the Footprint Center and experience the excitement of AEW Dynamite and AEW Rampage! With epic clashes, wild athletic feats, and great storytelling, it’s a night of entertainment that you won’t want to miss.
