Mike Tyson is returning to All Elite Wrestling this week.
Tyson’s return was confirmed by AEW President Tony Khan in a new interview with Sports Illustrated‘s Justin Barrasso. Khan said there are many reasons he wanted Tyson to return, noting how successful the boxing legend’s appearance at Double Or Nothing was in May.
“We’re at a point where we can bring him back in front of our fans. The fans who have come to the shows in Jacksonville have added so much to AEW, and it’s important for me that our fans get to see him live,” Khan said. “We’re excited to have Mike back.”
When he was last on AEW TV, Tyson and Chris Jericho were involved in a huge brawl, with the intent being that it would led to an angle between the two. While that never materialized, Khan says Tyson’s appearance this week is definitely going to be a big deal.
“This is going to be a big deal. With Mike coming to town,” Khan explained, “he’s going to have a real impact on Dynamite.”
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AEW has since issued the following press release, confirming Tyson’s return:
Boxing Legend Mike Tyson Returns to AEW DYNAMITE This Wednesday
— Tomorrow is Tyson’s First Appearance in front of Live AEW Crowd —
April 6, 2021 – Ahead of this Wednesday’s action-packed episode of AEW DYNAMITE, All Elite Wrestling announced that boxing legend Mike Tyson will be returning for an appearance during its live show on TNT.
No stranger to the squared circle, Tyson appeared at the DOUBLE OR NOTHING PPV event in May 2020, followed by a memorable AEW DYNAMITE episode where he brawled with Chris Jericho and The Inner Circle. Unlike last May, when there were no fans in attendance at Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Fla., fans will now have the opportunity to see Tyson in-person this Wednesday night in a safe, live event setting.
“There’s nothing better than an impassioned, live wrestling crowd. Since August 2020, we’ve provided safe, outdoor shows at Daily’s Place, with zero reported transmissions amongst our fans, and we’re so appreciative of the amazing fans who have been joining us week after week,” said Tony Khan, CEO, GM and Head of Creative of AEW. “It’s been incredible for our wrestlers, and for those watching at home, to hear the live reactions. This includes historic events like Kenny Omega winning the AEW World Title, Sting’s surprise arrival, Shaq teaming with Jade Cargill against Cody Rhodes and Red Velvet, The Young Bucks and Darby Allin’s respective championship wins at FULL GEAR, and so many other magic moments. Likewise, Mike Tyson always commands a massive ovation and the attention of fans worldwide. I’m excited for everyone here in Jacksonville, and for those watching on TNT and around the world, to see what Mike Tyson has in store for AEW.”
Last seen in the boxing ring in November 2020, Tyson competed in an eight-round exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr., which ended in a split draw. Tyson joins a stacked lineup on this week’s DYNAMITE, including Darby Allin defending the TNT Championship against JD Drake, #1 ranked wrestler Hangman Page defending that position against the surging “Platinum” Max Caster, and Jon Moxley teaming with AEW World Tag Team Champions The Young Bucks to take on AEW World Champion Kenny Omega and The Good Brothers.
