Tony Khan, President of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), has clarified the contract situation regarding the signing of legendary professional wrestler Ric Flair. Flair’s unexpected move to AEW in early November raised eyebrows, but it was soon revealed that the deal was actually a sponsorship agreement with Wooooo Energy, with AEW not directly paying Flair. Khan confirmed this during a recent interview with the New York Post.
According to Khan, “We’re not paying Ric Flair; Ric Flair is essentially paying us. We’re getting paid by Wooooo Energy for all of his appearances, so we’re collecting revenue from them.” This unique arrangement showcases AEW’s innovative approach to partnerships and revenue generation.
AEW has been making significant strides in the sponsorship arena in 2023. One notable collaboration was with the Texas Chainsaw Massacre video game, developed by Sumo Nottingham and published by Gun Interactive. This partnership allowed AEW to tap into the popularity of the horror franchise and create unique cross-promotional opportunities.
More recently, AEW secured a sponsorship deal with SEGA for their ‘Like A Dragon Gaiden’ Street Fight match. This high-profile encounter featured wrestling superstars Kenny Omega, Chris Jericho, Paul Wight, Kota Ibushi, and the Don Callis Family. The collaboration with SEGA demonstrates AEW’s ability to attract major brands and create engaging experiences for fans.
Meanwhile, Ric Flair has been lending his support to fellow wrestling icon Sting. Flair has appeared in Sting’s corner as The Icon prepares for his final pro-wrestling run. This partnership between two legends of the industry has generated significant buzz among fans.
AEW’s approach to sponsorship and partnership deals sets them apart from their competitors. While traditional wrestling promotions rely heavily on ticket sales and broadcast revenue, AEW has embraced innovative strategies to maximize revenue streams. By leveraging the popularity and influence of iconic figures like Ric Flair, AEW can attract lucrative sponsorship deals that benefit both the company and the talent involved.
For more details on Tony Khan’s clarification about Ric Flair’s AEW contract, you can read the full article on ProWrestlingWars.com.