In addition to being satisfied with WrestleDream this past weekend, Khan also commented on the new format of the promotion’s pre-shows, which have now become episode of “AEW Collision” that feature the highly anticipated Tailgate Brawl. 

“I don’t consider it a typical pre-show anymore because now it’s ‘AEW Collision,’ the Tailgate Brawl on TNT,” Khan explained. “There’s a huge emphasis now on the Tailgate Brawl internally in AEW because that’s an episode of ‘Collision’ and it’s a super important piece of real estate. Not only a chance to sell the upcoming pay-per-view, but ‘Collision’ and ‘Dynamite’ are massively important to AEW. … I wanted to do something very different and unique and tell people you have to watch these Tailgate Brawls leading in. They are a huge part of the event. This isn’t a ‘pre-show.’ This is a new era.”

Khan also touched on one of the only other occasions where a major cable network show led into a wrestling pay-per-view, as he reflected on “WCW Main Event” airing ahead of many high profile programs. He also believes that the Tailgate Brawl is a better way to lead-in to AEW’s biggest shows with the match being an effective strategy to build fan intrigue for the pay-per-view that follows it.

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit “Z100 New York” with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.