Tony Khan Wants Jack Perry To Stay in AEW ‘For a Long Time,’ Shares Update on Willow Nightingale

As previously reported, there were questions surrounding the AEW contract status of former TNT Champion Jack Perry, with his current deal set to expire soon, and the wrestler reportedly not having signed a new deal as of last week. During today’s AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door media call, AEW President Tony Khan was asked about Jack Perry and where his contract status stands.

Khan also addressed the status of injured former TBS and Women’s World Tag Team Champion Willow Nightingale. Nightingale was recently forced to relinquish her TBS Title and withdraw from the women’s Owen Hart Tournament due to injury.

Additionally, Khan was asked about the potential of AEW holding an event in Puerto Rico. Khan said Puerto Rico is “absolutely” a “priority market” for AEW in the near future. Below are some highlights (via Fightful):

Tony Khan on the AEW Status of Jack Perry

“The plan for AEW and Jack is for Jack to be here for a long time. I have believed that Jack is a great wrestler for many years, and I continue to feel that way. I like Jack very much, personally. He has a very bright future in wrestling and a great mind for wrestling. It’s been really gratifying for me and fans (to see) the return of Jungle Jack Perry and seeing fans embrace Jack and the great matches he’s been having. The plan is for Jack Perry to be in AEW for a long time, so that’s going to happen,” he said.

On the Injury Status of Willow Nightingale

“We’ll be following Willow’s progress in the weeks to come as she’s recovering. We’re all looking forward to her return, which I think will happen relatively soon.”

On if Puerto Rico Is a Priority Market for AEW

“Absolutely. That’s a tremendous question. Puerto Rico is a priority market in the future. There could be a number of great opportunities. There’s a lot of great partnership possibilities, and Puerto Rico’s a legendary wrestling market, so I am very interested in that, and there’s such great fans in Puerto Rico. They love wrestling, and it’s a great tradition, and absolutely, I’m very interested in that… It would be a great opportunity for us in the future as we continue to visit new territories.”

It appears there are no hard feelings between Tony Khan and Jack Perry following the latter’s attack on his boss on AEW Dynamite over two years ago. During an episode of Dynamite in April 2024, Perry along with The Elite took part in a brutal attack on the AEW President.

Jack Perry was in action on last night’s AEW Dynamite, losing to Zack Sabre Jr. in a singles bout. Perry currently isn’t slated to compete at this weekend’s AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door event.