Update on how new WWE deal affects future AEW Toronto shows
With WWE announcing a new deal with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Wednesday, AEW fans were concerned that arrangement would affect the possibility of future shows in Toronto venues like the Scotiabank Arena and Coca-Cola Coliseum.
According to MLSE, those concerns can be assuaged.
TSN reporter Steve Argintaru posted on X Wednesday that when he asked MLSE specifically that very concern, “an MLSE spokesperson told me the new agreement with WWE “does not prevent other events in our venues.”
The new agreement with MLSE, owners of both the Toronto Raptors and Maple Leafs, will see “exclusive merchandise collaborations, original content development, community-focused programs, and regular cross-brand appearances from team players and WWE Superstars.” Athletes from both teams are also expected to appear at a January Raw at the Scotiabank Arena and vice versa for Raptors and Maple Leafs games.
AEW ran at the Scotiabank Arena both at this past September’s All Out and for June 2023’s Forbidden Door. Collision also emanated from the arena in 2023 while AEW made its Toronto debut at the Coca-Cola Coliseum back in 2022, returning there in 2024.
Since 2011, Josh has been a contributing editor to Wrestling Observer/F4WOnline.com and also hosts the Punch-Out podcast. He has also written for Fight Magazine, Bloody Elbow, Bleacher Report, and other websites. He's a 2000 graduate of the University of Maine, worked in pro sports, and once was an indie ring announcer.