
News & Notes from AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door Media Scrum – Mercedes Mone, Tony Khan, Brody King, Bandido and more took part in the AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door post-event media scrum on Sunday.
Renee Paquette brought out Tony Khan, who said the only thing better than AEW breaking the wrestling attendance for the venue tonight was AEW and NJPW co-promoting the largest attending wrestling event in the O2 Arena.
The TBS Champion was the first wrestler to take questions.
Mercedes Mone media scrum notes
She was in character throughout. Mone told Tony Khan she deserves a celebration on Dynamite and he agreed. He was also upset that Stardom announced Bozilla for the match as late as they did.
She was asked about inspiring women worldwide, and responded:
“What I have always wanted to do is make women’s wrestling global, make people care about what we do, about women’s wrestling.”
“I want people to know that women’s wrestling is the best, and we are number one. We belong. All Elite women are here. We are the greatest, and this is the greatest women’s roster because I am the greatest TBS champion.“
Mone also mentioned she finally found good food in England, something that evidently had been an issue for her previously.
Anytime someone brought up Mone’s loss to Toni Storm at All In, she just replied, “I don’t want to talk about my past.” Khan sounded interested in a possible rematch between the two.
Kyle Fletcher media scrum notes
The TNT Champion was the next out. Renee thanked him for not bringing Don Callis with him and it was mentioned that he’d gotten stitches after his match against Hiromu Takahashi.
Fletcher said his goal is to be the best TNT Champion of all time. He mentioned his partner Mark Davis’ injury woes, saying he has the worst luck. He called the TNT title the biggest accomplishment of his career thus far, and he’s focused on it when asked about potentially challenging for Kazuchika Okada’s Continental title.
Brody King and Bandido media scrum notes
King mentioned that they’ve been friends for eight years, signed with ROH at around the same time, wrestled on the indies together, etc.
Khan gave Bandido a gift from Fulham player Raul Jimenez, which appeared to be a signed jersey. Bandido was very happy with this gift. He’s now a double-champion with a signed Fulham kit. Good day for him. Khan said that Raul would appreciate a Bandido mask in return.
King was asked about the Abolish ICE t-shirt he released. He responded:
“I come from a very punk rock, hardcore background and that’s stuff is normal in our world. So speaking on injustices and whatever else is important to me. I appreciate that i work for a company that allows us to have our own voice, whether I ask for it or not.”
“Using your platform for good or just to help in any capacity is the right thing to do.”
They were asked about possibly facing Adam Copeland and Christian and King said he’s had his history with both.
Bandido said the reason they mesh well is because Brody is a luchador, was trained by a luchador, and can do lucha.
Asked about Buddy Matthews, King said he hopes Buddy is happy for him and when he comes back they always have the trios titles to go after.
“I want Buddy to get well soon,” Khan commented. “He’s been a great wrestler and partner for Brody.”
Khan says he knew there was chemistry between the two when he saw them in Ring of Honor. He later talked about Bandido’s upcoming match against Hechicero on Friday. Bandido mentioned partying with tequila and off they went to the back.
Tony Khan promoted the return to the UK in December.
Tony Khan media scrum notes
Before he took questions, Khan asked the media if they think MJF has conducted himself in the way a championship challenger should conduct themselves? He asked for feedback, but didn’t appear to get any. He then revealed that going forward, the Casino Gauntlet contracts for AEW World title shots will require one week’s notice.
He talked about making their debut in Scotland. He also said that nobody expected their TV ratings to go up when they began simulcasting on Max, but that’s what happened.
Asked about the increase of women’s wrestling on the show, Khan responded that it’s because of the great roster, and rivalries that have gone on in the division. He said he’s very proud of them, and specifically mentioned Mone, Toni Storm, and Athena.
Khan said he doesn’t know if they break the one million viewers mark between cable and streaming. He knows they are one of the best sports franchises on Max but that’s it.
He was asked about the increase in vignettes on the show and if there has been a change in the creative process. He reiterated that he’s writing more of the shows now and creates the outlines for them and then bounces ideas off people. He compared it to episodes of Seinfeld that had too many writers.
Khan said Jon Moxley has been the greatest world champion he’s ever known, and put over how important he’s been for the company. He also mentioned it was great to have Dr. Martha Hart and Oje Hart with them at the show.
Renee was asked an in-character question about being married to Jon Moxley. She answered in storyline but said she’ll be speaking to Jon about him sticking a fork in Darby Allin’s ear.
Khan put over Ospreay. Said he injected new life into the promotion.
Khan spoke about Tanahashi having his final match in London and called it a special night.
Nobody asked how much MMMBop cost for the Young Bucks to use as their ring music, and the media scrum ended.
News & Notes from AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door Media Scrum