Bishop Dyer reveals Tony Khan’s reaction to his AEW debut

Baron Corbin’s AEW Debut & The Growing Trend of Cross-Promotional Talent

Former WWE Superstar Baron Corbin, now competing as Bishop Dyer, recently made a dark match appearance for All Elite Wrestling (AEW). His experience, as detailed in an interview with SiriusXM’s Jonathan Coachman, highlights a burgeoning trend in professional wrestling: increased cross-promotional activity and the blurring lines between major promotions. This isn’t just about one wrestler; it’s a sign of a shifting landscape.

The Appeal of “Forbidden Door” Opportunities

For years, wrestling fans clamored for dream matches between stars from different companies. The “Forbidden Door” concept, popularized by New Japan Pro-Wrestling and AEW, has moved from fantasy to reality. Dyer’s appearance is a smaller-scale example, but it demonstrates the willingness of promotions to utilize talent from elsewhere. This benefits everyone involved. Wrestlers gain exposure to new audiences, promotions access a wider talent pool, and fans get fresh matchups.

Consider the success of the AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door pay-per-view events. These events consistently draw significant viewership and generate substantial revenue, proving the demand for inter-promotional collaboration. The recent appearance of IMPACT Wrestling stars in AEW further solidifies this trend. According to WrestleNomics, AEW’s viewership saw a noticeable bump during weeks featuring IMPACT talent, indicating a positive correlation.

Tony Khan’s Approach: Flexibility and Opportunity

Tony Khan’s reaction to Dyer’s debut – simply enjoying the match and thanking him for participating – speaks volumes. It suggests a pragmatic approach to talent acquisition and utilization. Khan isn’t necessarily looking to sign every free agent, but he’s open to bringing in experienced performers for one-off appearances or short-term runs. This allows AEW to experiment with different combinations and storylines without long-term commitments.

This contrasts with the historically rigid territorial approach of wrestling promotions. WWE, for example, spent decades largely operating in its own ecosystem. While they’ve become more open to collaborations in recent years (like the NXT UK partnership with various European promotions), AEW has embraced cross-promotion as a core strategy from its inception.

The MLW Factor: A Stepping Stone or a Parallel Path?

Dyer’s current run in Major League Wrestling (MLW) as one-half of the World Tag Team Champions is also noteworthy. MLW, while smaller than AEW or WWE, provides a platform for wrestlers to stay active and hone their skills. It’s becoming increasingly common for wrestlers to work for multiple promotions simultaneously, using each as a stepping stone or a way to diversify their income streams.

This multi-promotion approach is particularly appealing to veterans like Dyer, who may not be seeking a full-time commitment to any single company. It allows them to maintain their in-ring presence, connect with fans, and explore different creative opportunities. MLW’s focus on a more traditional wrestling style also offers a different creative outlet compared to the often-high-flying AEW product.

The Future of Wrestling Talent Flow

Expect to see even more cross-promotional activity in the coming years. Several factors are driving this trend:

• Increased Fan Demand: Fans are actively seeking out diverse wrestling content and are less loyal to specific promotions.
• Talent Mobility: Wrestlers have more control over their careers and are less bound by restrictive contracts.
• Financial Incentives: Cross-promotion can generate significant revenue for all parties involved.
• The Rise of Independent Wrestling: A thriving independent scene provides a constant stream of new talent for larger promotions to scout.

We may even see more formalized partnerships between promotions, potentially leading to shared talent rosters or co-branded events. The lines between AEW, WWE, IMPACT, NJPW, and other organizations will likely continue to blur, creating a more dynamic and interconnected wrestling landscape.

FAQ: Cross-Promotion in Wrestling

• What is cross-promotion in wrestling? It’s when wrestlers or promotions from different companies collaborate, appearing on each other’s shows or co-hosting events.
• Why are promotions more open to cross-promotion now? Increased fan demand, talent mobility, and financial incentives are driving the trend.
• Does cross-promotion benefit wrestlers? Yes, it provides exposure to new audiences, opportunities to work with different opponents, and potentially higher earnings.
• Will WWE fully embrace cross-promotion? While historically resistant, WWE is showing increasing openness to collaborations, particularly with NXT and international promotions.

Did you know? The original “Forbidden Door” concept dates back to the territorial days of wrestling, when promoters occasionally allowed their stars to appear on rival shows to draw crowds.

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