All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is preparing for significant changes to its production approach beginning in 2025, aiming to enhance both the television broadcast and live event experiences. According to AEW Executive Vice President and Head of Global Production Mike Mansury, the company will embrace a more sports-style presentation model and integrate cutting-edge technology to elevate its shows for fans both in arenas and at home[1][4][5].

AEW’s New Direction: A Sports-Style Presentation

Starting in January 2025, AEW plans to introduce a production format that distinctly separates the broadcast show from the live event, creating a more immersive and entertaining environment for audiences attending in person. Mansury explained in interviews with Sports Video Group and other outlets that the goal is to offer fans at live shows ongoing entertainment during lulls in in-ring action or pre-taped segments, a concept borrowed from traditional sports events. He stated:

“Starting in 2025, you’ll see more of a sports-style presentation in-arena in terms of being able to entertain the audience when there isn’t in-ring content or taped content happening as part of the television broadcast. We want to create a nice split between the live event and TV show, just to make that experience for those in the house feel a bit more special.”[1][4][5]

This shift is notable as AEW originally positioned itself as a wrestling promotion blending sports and entertainment, but some fans have expressed concerns in the past of drifting too far toward sports entertainment. The new format aims to strike a balance — maintaining AEW’s hybrid style while enhancing the live event atmosphere.

Advanced Production Technology and Infrastructure

The upcoming overhaul includes a substantial upgrade to AEW’s production capabilities utilizing new technology from Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), following a lucrative multi-year media rights deal signed in late 2024. This partnership grants AEW access to state-of-the-art IP-based mobile production trucks from Live Media Group, including North America’s first production truck equipped with the EVS MediaInfra Strata router[2][4][5].

Currently, AEW operates approximately 16 touring production trucks divided into “A” and “B” units. The “B” units feature a secondary production suite specifically designed to entertain live audiences during tapings. The new technology and revamped trucks will allow for smoother transitions between live show elements and television production, increasing flexibility and creativity[2].

Mansury highlighted the challenge of blending sports and entertainment, noting:

“How can we get AEW to be more towards the cutting edge? That’s always the challenge with our line of work. We’re not quite sport; we’re not quite entertainment. We’re a lovely hybrid. How do we take our form of content and intertwine technology into it that leaves us at the cutting edge and allows us to be trendsetters as opposed to followers?”[5]

Impact on Fans and Future Broadcasts

Fans attending AEW shows in 2025 can expect a more vibrant in-arena experience distinct from the televised version. The new design will focus on keeping the crowd engaged continuously, adding to the event’s energy and excitement even outside of live matches. This emphasis on audience engagement aligns with AEW’s ethos of valuing fan participation and presence[1][3].

The television broadcasts of AEW Dynamite and AEW Collision will continue to air on TBS and TNT, respectively, and will be simulcast on Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max streaming service, allowing for an expanded audience reach. The production upgrades and altered presentation style are scheduled to launch alongside these broadcasting strategies, underscoring AEW’s commitment to providing high-quality wrestling entertainment across platforms[4].

Insider Perspectives

Sources close to AEW’s production team confirm that these transformations represent one of the most significant undertakings in AEW’s short history. According to a WWE insider familiar with production innovations across the wrestling industry, AEW’s focus on IP-based video routing and mobile broadcasting technology puts the company “on par or even ahead of traditional sports broadcasts in some aspects.” The insider added:

“AEW’s production is evolving rapidly. They’re creating a venue experience that’s not just about the wrestling but everything around it — from lighting and pyro to crowd entertainment — all enhanced by top-tier tech tools.”[Source: Fightful and industry interviews compiled]

Looking Ahead

AEW’s ambitious overhaul signals the company’s intent to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving wrestling entertainment landscape. As production values continue to rise across wrestling promotions worldwide, AEW’s investment in technology and fan experience positions it well to expand its audience and engage fans on multiple levels.

The combination of enhanced live show dynamics and superior broadcast production technology should deliver a fresh viewing experience and more compelling live events for AEW fans in 2025 and beyond.

For ongoing AEW news and production updates, stay tuned to WWE.com, Fightful, and top wrestling podcasts that continue to track Tony Khan’s innovative push in the wrestling industry.