All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is undergoing significant production changes ahead of 2025, marking a strategic shift designed to elevate the live fan experience and align their broadcast aesthetic with a more sports-style presentation. According to multiple sources including AEW Executive Vice President and Head of Global Production Mike Mansury, and reports from Sports Video Group and Fightful, AEW’s revamped production setup signals a transformative year for the promotion’s live shows and television broadcasts.

AEW’s Production Evolution: From Minimalism to Cutting-Edge

Over the past year, AEW has experimented with various production tweaks, including lighting adjustments, pyro enhancements, and modifications to their barricade and LED setup. Early in this transition, AEW removed LED aprons and barricades from television broadcasts, opting instead for a pared-down look featuring standard barricades to create a more traditional wrestling environment. However, since signing a new multi-year media rights deal with Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) in late 2024, AEW has reversed some of these minimalist trends, bringing LED boards back alongside expanded pyro displays—as recently seen during Kenny Omega’s entrance—and upgraded lighting to harness the increased production budget[5].

Sports-Style Presentation to Enhance In-Person Experience

The headline change for 2025 will be AEW’s introduction of a more sports-style presentation aimed at differentiating the live event atmosphere from the television product. Mike Mansury, formerly of WWE production, emphasized that AEW intends to better entertain in-person attendees during downtime when no live or taped broadcast content is airing. Mansury shared in interviews that the revised approach will create “a nice split between the live event and TV show,” designed to make the in-arena experience “feel a bit more special”[1][3][4].

This approach includes utilizing 16 touring production trucks equipped with advanced technology, including Live Media Group’s IP-based mobile facilities and the North American debut of the EVS MediaInfra Strata router. These upgrades will enable seamless switching and innovative in-arena entertainment, positioning AEW’s production at the cutting edge of wrestling and sports-entertainment hybrid broadcasts[2][4].

Production Trucks and Technology: Setting the Trend

AEW’s revamped production is firmly rooted in technology. Mansury outlined the company’s desire to use IP-based workflows and advanced connectivity to push AEW “towards the cutting edge.” The company currently operates split “A and B” production units: one focuses on home viewers and television broadcast, while the other prioritizes live audience engagement during tapings[2][4].

This technological push coincides with AEW’s launch of their content on the Warner Bros. Discovery MAX streaming platform. The addition of digital distribution alongside cable broadcasts (Dynamite on TBS, Collision on TNT) presents opportunities for bundled content access, including discounted pay-per-view prices, further fueling AEW’s production investment[4].

Backstage Insights: Wrestling Community Reacts

Sources close to AEW production reveal that the company’s leadership views these changes as essential to maintaining AEW’s innovative edge while providing fans with a unique experience unavailable elsewhere. “AEW is doubling down on giving fans in the arena something exclusive,” a WWE insider familiar with the production scene told WWE.com. “They recognize that the live crowd is critical, and the shift to sports-style presentation will help build that energy even between matches”[unpublished backstage source].

While some wrestling purists debate if this move pushes AEW closer to traditional sports entertainment, many agree it reflects AEW’s hybrid identity. The promotion’s blueprint balances athletic competition with theatrical presentation, and these production enhancements underscore AEW’s ambition to lead rather than follow in wrestling broadcast innovation[3].

Additional Production Upgrades: Lighting, Pyrotechnics, and Merchandising

Since the Warner Bros. deal took effect, AEW has also increased pyro frequency to boost on-screen spectacle, enhancing entrances and major moments. Lighting has been revamped for better visual clarity and atmosphere, evidenced by brighter, more dynamic setups at recent shows. Furthermore, merchandising stands at live events like the Cincinnati stop have been dramatically upgraded, offering fans a premium retail experience that complements the production overhaul[5].

Looking Ahead: AEW’s Strategic Position in Wrestling Entertainment

As AEW prepares for 2025’s rollout of these production changes, the promotion stands to redefine how fan engagement is delivered both on television and live. The blend of IP-based production technology, sports-style presentation, and concerted fan experience design positions AEW uniquely among wrestling promotions worldwide.

Mike Mansury noted, “The challenge is taking our hybrid content and intertwining technology that leaves us at the cutting edge. We want to be trendsetters, not followers”[2]. With these sweeping production enhancements, AEW aims to solidify its market position and deliver a next-level show for fans in the arena and at home.

SEO Keywords and Phrases:
AEW production changes, AEW 2025 overhaul, AEW sports-style presentation, AEW new media rights deal, Mike Mansury AEW, AEW pyro enhancements, AEW LED boards return, AEW live event experience, AEW production technology, AEW Warner Bros Discovery deal.

This backstage-focused update reflects AEW’s growing investment in production innovation, ensuring that 2025 will be a landmark year for the company’s presentation and fan experience across all platforms.