When a nationwide travel disruption grounded millions of passengers, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) took swift action to ensure its Full Gear pay‑per‑view could go on as planned in Phoenix, Arizona. Owner Tony Khan arranged private planes from three hub locations, bringing wrestlers, broadcasters and support staff to the Mortgage Matchup Center despite the chaos that hit both private and commercial flights.
Owner’s response to the travel crisis
In a video posted to his social media accounts, Khan expressed sympathy for travelers affected by the flight cancellations and delays. “I know it’s been an incredibly challenging few days for a lot of people,” he said. “My sympathies to everybody affected by all of the flight cancellations and delays. Yesterday was a hectic day for everyone, private and public flights alike. For AEW, we’re the same as everyone else, we’re not trying to break any rules. Everybody was grounded and we started formulating a plan that has come together really, really well.”
All talent arrived safely
Khan confirmed that every performer on the Full Gear card made it to Phoenix. He explained that without the private‑plane solution, it would have been “virtually impossible” for the full roster to travel as scheduled, and the main card could have required changes.
Adam Copeland, who was set to defend the AEW International Championship against Kazuchika Okada, described his own experience. After his flight to Denver was halted by a nationwide ground stop, he called a contact in Phoenix who arranged a pickup. “I was like, ‘OK.’ I called Beth (Phoenix) and she came and got me and I went home,’” Copeland recalled. “Tony Khan sent a plane to come get us. I ended up meeting Tony Schiavone, having coffee and a dog cuddle‑fest before the show.”
Broadcasters also faced travel hurdles
Broadcast veteran Tony Schiavone was originally scheduled to fly out of Atlanta but opted for a smaller plane out of Asheville, North Carolina, to avoid potential delays. He told his wife he would have driven the 27‑hour trip to Phoenix if necessary, but the private‑plane option saved him time. Schiavone arrived in the afternoon, noting that his car remains in Asheville.
Excalibur, another member of the commentary team, was at the gym when he learned of the travel disruptions. He drove five hours from Southern California to Phoenix, stopping in the desert along the way. “I wouldn’t miss this for the world,” he said. “If there’s any way possible for us to be here today, we’re going to be here at Full Gear.”
Tag teams and other talent overcame long drives
Tag‑team duo Mark Davis and Jake Doyle, who were set to challenge The Young Bucks for the AEW World Tag Team Championship, recounted a “tumultuous” 24‑hour period. Davis ran across Florida, attempting to catch a flight from Tampa to Orlando that never materialized. “Thankfully, the big guy had our back,” he said, referring to Khan’s assistance.
Doyle added, “I had to drive to Detroit, then Chicago, then sit on a private jet for eight hours. So, Tony Khan, thank you for that jet.” The Young Bucks, Matt and Nick Jackson, traveled from California by car, stating, “We’re blessed to be in California, but we’ll do anything—planes, trains and automobiles—to be here at Full Gear.”
Fans can expect a full card
Thanks to the coordinated effort, the Full Gear pay‑per‑view will feature the originally advertised matches, including the International Championship bout and the World Tag Team Championship showdown. The event begins at 8 p.m. ET and will be streamed on HBO Max.
AEW’s rapid response demonstrates the organization’s commitment to delivering live entertainment even when external circumstances threaten to disrupt plans. By leveraging private‑plane logistics, the promotion ensured that fans in Phoenix and viewers nationwide will enjoy the full spectacle they anticipated.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
