Tag: Tony Khan

Tony Khan comments on AEW signing Mistico: ‘One of my all-time heroes’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Tony Khan is thrilled to have one of his favorite wrestlers of all time under contract with AEW.

It was announced during AEW Revolution last night that Mistico is officially All Elite. He is now dual-contracted to CMLL and AEW and will be working for both promotions. Along with the announcement, Mistico won his first AEW gold at Revolution, winning the Trios titles with Kevin Knight & “Speedball” Mike Bailey.

At the post-show press conference, Khan discussed the new signing and addressed what Mistico’s schedule will look like.

“I think we will be splitting time,” Khan said. “Obviously, CMLL is an amazing partnership for AEW. And what a sign of trust between the two promotions to have one of the greatest wrestlers of all time now as a dual-signee, joining us in AEW as a champion. Somebody that I have admired for decades, somebody who is a personal hero of mine in the wrestling business. To be able to sit here with Mistico, next to Kevin and Mike, to be able to sit here with JetSpeed and say that they are world champions along with Mistico, who, again, to reiterate, one of my all-time heroes in this business. Somebody who’s accomplished so much. And it’s an honor to be able to sit on the stage with him and say that he’s part of AEW and now a world champion here. It’s so cool.”

Khan noted that he’ll be working with CMLL boss Salvador Lutteroth Lomeli to figure out Mistico’s schedule.

“We’ll be working with Salvador. Now that he’s a champion in AEW, I’ll work with Salvador very closely to make sure we see Mistico in both CMLL and AEW as much as possible,” Khan said.

Hechicero, Persephone, and Mascara Dorada are among the other CMLL stars under similar dual-contracts with both promotions.

Through a translator, Mistico said he’s happy to be All Elite and proud to be a Trios champion. He also sent out a tweet thanking Khan for the opportunity.

Mistico won Wrestler of the Year in the 2025 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards. He’s now a two-time winner, having won the award in 2006 as well. He was the biggest star in CMLL in 2025 and helped lead the promotion to a very successful year in business.

Earlier in his career, Mistico spent time in the United States working for WWE as Sin Cara. He’s also competed for MLW recently and is a former MLW Middleweight Champion.

AEW Revolution media scrum notes: Tony Khan on Ronda Rousey, Paramount, SoFi Stadium

Posted on by Bryan Rose

AEW stars and Tony Khan talked to the media following AEW Revolution.

Winners from Saturday’s pay-per-view and Khan himself spoke to the press following Sunday’s show on a number of subjects. Here are the highlights:

Gabe Kidd stormed the press conference and cut an obscenity-laced promo, eventually demanding a coffin match against Darby Allin on this Wednesday’s Dynamite. Khan said that was a good idea.

Thekla stayed in character throughout her portion of the interview, though mentioned that she would do whatever it took to help Julia Hart and Skye Blue win the Women’s Tag Team titles.

When Roderick Strong was asked if he was part of The Conglomeration, he replied with a “maybe.” Both he and Orange Cassidy hinted they would like to go for the AEW Tag Team titles next.

During the Mistico, Speedball Mike Bailey, and Kevin Knight portion, Tony Khan confirmed that Mistico would be splitting time between CMLL and AEW after it was announced he signed with the company. 

When asked about doing a pay-per-view in Mexico, Khan said his focus right now was on another Grand Slam Mexico. This segment of the presser ended with Mistico saying through a translator that he was happy to have been partnered with Jet Speed and is happy he signed with AEW.

Elsewhere during the show, Khan announced that Continental Classic tracksuits were coming, though didn’t give a specific date.

New National Champion Jack Perry opened up about how his win at Revolution was bittersweet, noting that his father passed away about seven years ago. He said that the only other times he’s been in this building, it’s been with his dad, and wished he could have been there to see him tonight. Despite this, he was happy that his moher, sister, and best friend Luchasaurus was there to see him. He also brought up how Luchasaurus “nearly died” a year ago.

Perry said that at times he questioned if this was the right career choice, but right now he thinks it was.

Tony Khan

  • Khan noted during his initial rundown of the show that MJF and Hangman Page were “hurting badly” following their main event match.
  • He noted at one point that he was “showing off for his new boss,” touching upon the Paramount/WBD deal.
  • He said he would love to get Wayne Brady, who made an appearance during the Zero Hour pre-show, in the ring.
  • Regarding Ronda Rousey’s appearance, Khan gave the storyline explanation that Ronda is a really good friend of Marina Shafir and brought her in as backup. He pivoted to the no holds barred match between Shafir and Toni Storm on Wednesday. Ronda’s always been good to him, he wishes her the best.
  • When asked if AEW will have a presence at the upcoming Rousey/Gina Carano fight, Tony Khan said AEW wrestlers are welcome to attend and revealed he’s been invited.
  • He said the idea of going to SoFi Arena for a future show was “interesting” and “not crazy at all.” 
  • Khan said he was thrown a “pretty big curveball” when Penelope Ford was injured. He praised Lena Kross for stepping up.
  • Regarding Hangman Page’s stipulation, Khan said it was similar to Cody’s agreement years ago in that it was an stipulation made between both parties and himself. He noted that Hangman is known to be a man of his word, and that this is a verbal contract.
  • Khan remained positive about the Paramount/WBD merger, bringing up the possibility of HBO Max and Paramount+ working together. If it leads to a situation where it leads to more availability, that would be great.
  • Someone asked about wrestlers promoting political opinions on the shows and if he’s worried these opinions would turn off viewers. Khan said that these are real people who are expressing their real opinion. He doesn’t have any views other than the sport itself, and that is why it is great for the wrestlers to express their own viewpoint, stressing that AEW itself is not a political league.

Tony Khan: Sting’s retirement match set ‘every business record’ for AEW

Posted on by Ian Carey

Tony Khan says Sting’s retirement match at AEW Revolution 2024 set “every business record.”

Khan took part in an interview with TMZ Sports ahead of AEW Revolution on Sunday in Los Angeles. During the interview, he spoke about how two years ago at the event, Sting and Darby Allin defeated the Young Bucks in Sting’s final match.

“AEW Revolution a few years ago was Sting’s final encounter, the retirement match of one of wrestling’s greatest legends ever, Sting,” Khan said.

“Sting and Darby ended up going on one of the greatest runs ever, undefeated in their entire run in AEW. They became the world tag team champions and Sting retired undefeated in AEW and had, I think, the greatest retirement match ever a couple years ago at Revolution against the Young Bucks and it set every business record.”

Dave Meltzer addressed several of the records set by AEW Revolution 2024 in the March 11, 2024 edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. The crowd was announced as a sellout of 16,878, including 760 comps. Meltzer listed the gate at approximately $1.05 million, making it the first million-dollar gate in Greensboro Coliseum history. The previous record was $600,000 for a SmackDown show in 2020.

Khan’s interview with TMZ Sports’ Inside the Ring is available below. The video is cued to his comments about Sting’s retirement match.

Tony Khan says AEW Revolution has sold out

Posted on by Vincent Verhei

If you’re planning on attending AEW Revolution in L.A. this Sunday, you’d better have your tickets in hand—CEO Tony Khan announced tonight that the venue is sold out. 

“Thank you all who watch AEW!” Khan wrote on social media. “It’s one of my favorite weekends—AEW Revolution is this Sunday! Revolution will be sold out with a live gate over $1 million this Sunday! See you this Sunday for the PPV.” He went on to plug the Andrade El Idolo vs. Mascara Dorada match on Collision that will take place one day prior.

Crypto.com Arena has a capacity of up to 21,000 for wrestling shows.

AEW Revolution 2025 updated lineup | This Sunday | Los Angeles

Main Card

  • Marina Shafir vs. Toni Storm – Everyone banned from ringside
  • AEW Trios Champions Kazuchika Okada, Kyle Fletcher & Mark Davis defend against Kevin Knight, Mike Bailey & Mistico
  • AEW Women’s World Champion Thekla defends against Kris Statlander in a two-out-of-three falls match
  • Brody King vs. Swerve Strickland
  • Bandido vs. Andrade El Idolo
  • AEW Continental Champion Jon Moxley defends against Konosuke Takeshita in a no time limit match
  • AEW World Tag Team Champions FTR (Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood) defend against The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson)
  • AEW World Champion MJF defends against Hangman Page in a Texas Death Match where if Page loses, he can’t challenge for the World title ever again
  • AEW Women’s Tag Team Champions Babes of Wrath (Harley Cameron & Willow Nightingale) defend against Megan Bayne & Lena Kross
  • Roderick Strong, Orange Cassidy & Darby Allin vs. The Dogs (David Finlay, Gabe Kidd & Clark Connors)

Zero Hour

  • Ricochet defends his AEW National title in a 21-man Blackjack battle royal
  • TBS Champion Willow Nightingale defends against Lena Kross
  • Boom & Doom (QT Marshall & Big Boom AJ) vs. The Infantry (Carlie Bravo & Shawn Dean)

Tony Khan AEW media call notes: Samoa Joe update, MyAEW goals, Big Boom AJ

Posted on by Josh Nason

While the most notable quote from Tony Khan’s media call Thursday was regarding a desire to be on the same channel and platform as UFC, he did give a brief update on former AEW World Champion Samoa Joe.

Khan said Joe is recovering from injuries and is optimistic for his return soon. The star has been out of action since a January 21 Dynamite win over Mike Bailey. A February report had him in concussion protocol with Joe himself saying last week he’ll be back “sooner than later.”

He was also asked about MyAEW and whether it could become a domestic provider of PPV in addition to international given the uncertain future with Paramount & WBD. Khan said he has a great relationship with Paramount from his NFL ties and a great relationship with David Ellison and thinks the world of him. He said MyAEW has nothing to do with the WBD relationship.

Khan said MyAEW and is about reaching as many international fans as possible as it’s available in 150 countries worldwide. He said their domestic strategy is driving fans to HBO Max for PPVs while they do have other providers. He did not mention Triller.

Here are some other topics Khan was asked about:

  • Asked about ROH’s TV future given the new TV taping structure, Khan says they still have “great revenue” coming from the ROH streaming service. He’s been still looking at opportunities and is excited for those opportunities, especially post-Paramount/WBD sale. He says people are having fun in ROH and is looking forward to next weekend’s set of tapings.
  • Asked if Big Boom AJ sets the tone for future celebrities in AEW in terms of repeat appearances, Khan put over his wrestling past training in OVW and that people don’t really know that. He said the influence he has bringing fans in is something everyone is very cognizant of, especially when Big Justice and The Rizzler are with him. Everyone enjoys them being there.

Khan was also asked about Brody King, the Hangman Page World title stipulation and more.

Click here for the full & free audio.

Tony Khan would love for AEW to be on the same channel as UFC

Posted on by Josh Nason

Tony Khan is not shy about his view for the future in the potential post-WBD & Paramount Skydance world, saying he’d love for AEW and UFC to be on the same platform.

Khan spoke to the media for an hour Thursday to promote this Sunday’s AEW Revolution pay-per-view when he was asked by our Dave Meltzer about the narrative that TKO’s relationship with Paramount will force AEW to eventually go elsewhere.

Khan talked at length about his relationships with David Zaslav, WBD personnel and that of David Ellison who owns Paramount. He said he thinks the potential purchase would be “huge” for AEW given they will be on TNT and TBS for a long time in addition to a secure future on HBO Max.

“There are tons of sports that exist on those platforms. I’d love to be on the same channel as UFC. I have a great relationship with Dana White and Hunter Campbell. While their sister promotion is also in pro wrestling and it’s of a competitive nature there, I think on my behalf I’d love to be on the same channel as UFC. I see a lot of positive utility for that,” he said.

There has been speculative talk from TKO head Mark Shapiro about UFC appearing on TNT, also mentioned by Ellison in a recent call. UFC airs on Saturday nights as does AEW Collision on TNT.

The Paramount/WBD sale has plenty of legal hurdles to clear before it’s approved.

Khan later said there’s never been an opportunity for AEW to be on the same platform as the NFL and he is thrilled for the prospect to be part of a media company that carries games.

MJF: Tony Khan ‘understands and respects the idea of a traveling champion’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Understanding the value of a traveling World Champion is one thing that differentiates Tony Khan from Vince McMahon.

During his second AEW World Championship reign, MJF has taken the belt to indie promotions like Limitless Wrestling and House of Glory. Bringing back this tradition of defending the World title outside of your home promotion was a goal for MJF, and Khan has given him the freedom to do so. It’s a custom that went away when McMahon had a monopoly over the wrestling industry in the United States.

“The likes of Buddy Rogers and Harley Race … Jack Brisco, Dory Funk, these gentlemen would travel around, not just their local territory, but around all of the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Japan, Australia, and they would wrestle whoever was deemed the best of the best in that local territory or area,” MJF told Uncrowned ahead of AEW Revolution.

“Another thing is we have lost the history and the tradition of our sport, because for a very long time, professional wrestling was a monopoly. It was WWE, and that’s it. The idea of seeing — I’m just going to use an example — John Cena at your local independent company was sacrilegious to a Vince McMahon. But to a Tony Khan, who both understands and respects the idea of a traveling champion, it’s not ridiculous.”

MJF is set to defend his title against Hangman Page in a Texas Death match at Revolution this Sunday. If he retains, MJF will be on track to head into upcoming appearances for One Fall Wrestling and Beyond Wrestling as champion.

In the Uncrowned interview, MJF hyped that the World title picture in AEW right now is better than it has ever been.

 “This is the most competitive the top of the card has ever been in the history of our seven-year-old promotion,” he said. “You have me, Hangman, Swerve [Strickland], Jon Moxley, Kenny Omega, Samoa Joe, Andrade El Idolo. Now you’ve got Brody King, who just popped up there and he fits like a glove, whether I want to admit it or not. You’ve got your Kyle Fletchers of the world, who are chomping at the bit, and your [Konosuke] Takeshitas, who are chomping at the bit. I mean, the list goes on and on — and that’s the scary part.”

Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles is hosting Revolution on Sunday. The MJF vs. Page match comes with a stipulation where, if Page loses, he will not be able to challenge for the AEW World Championship again.

Tony Khan ‘thrilled’ with Paramount-WBD merger news

Posted on by Ian Carey

An update is available regarding Tony Khan’s reaction to the proposed purchase of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount.

Dave Meltzer addressed the AEW president’s reaction to the news in this week’s edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, noting that while Khan was said to be “thrilled” with the news, others believe that Paramount could, due to pressure from TKO given its contracts with UFC and Zuffa Boxing, move to get rid of WWE’s only significant wrestling competition.

Meltzer wrote:

“The most important news story in wrestling, as far as the future and viability of AEW, is just a tiny piece of the puzzle in the proposed Paramount purchase of WBD.

There is a ton of speculation as to what it means. Those close to Tony Khan say that he was thrilled when the news came out, feeling this was the best possible scenario for him. Others are claiming it’s the death knell because Paramount, either to cut back on costs, or due to pressure from TKO given they have contracts with UFC and Zuffa Boxing, will get rid of TKO’s only real significant wrestling competition.”

Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison has said the plan is for HBO Max and Paramount+ to merge into a single streaming service.

According to a report from January, HBO Max has approximately 135 million worldwide subscribers, 59 million of which are in the U.S., while Paramount+ has 79 million worldwide subscribers, 35.8 million of which are in the U.S.

This week’s edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter is available here for subscribers.

MJF reveals why he plans on staying with AEW: ‘My boss knows I am the draw’

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

MJF has opened up in detail about why he never plans on leaving Tony Khan’s wrestling promotion.

Ahead of his AEW Dynamite appearance in El Paso, Texas, MJF appeared for an interview with ABC-7 sports director Adrian Ochoa on KVIA, where he shared his thoughts on WWE ticket prices as well as his plans on staying with AEW.

When asked why he preferred to remain with AEW despite having opportunities to join other companies, MJF responded, “What keeps me in AEW is my ability to be myself; there’s no leash on me. I don’t have to worry about anyone sitting me down and telling me what I am doing right or wrong.”

“My boss knows I am the draw. I have the World title right now. Ratings are up, ticket sales are up. I wonder why? He lets me do my thing. So, I don’t think I’ll ever leave,” he finished.

A two-time AEW World Champion as well as a one-time AEW International Champion, the 29-year-old is currently scheduled to defend his World title against Hangman Adam Page on AEW Revolution 2026.

Chris Jericho says his NJPW match with Kenny Omega led to Tony Khan starting AEW

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Chris Jericho feels his match with Kenny Omega led to the start of AEW.

While talking with Spencer Matthews, Jericho gave his Mt. Rushmore of wrestling opponents, first listing Dean Ambrose (Jon Moxley), The Rock, and Shawn Michaels. For his fourth, Jericho named Kenny Omega, saying that their match at Wrestle Kingdom 12 back in 2018 made history.

“We changed the business when we had our match at the Tokyo Dome, which at the time was crazy because nobody ever thought it would happen,” he said. “We’re both from the same small town in Canada called Winnipeg, and we pretty much packed the Tokyo Dome. Digital streaming was through the roof for New Japan Pro Wrestling, which then led to Tony Khan seeing and deciding that he could form AEW because there was so much demand for wrestling that was not WWE.”

Khan founded AEW in 2019, one year after their Wrestle Kingdom match. Both joined the promotion and became AEW’s top stars, with Jericho becoming the first-ever AEW World Champion. His status with the company is currently in question as reports indicate his contract has been frozen due to taking time off.

Tony Khan confirms ROH staying in Jacksonville moving forward

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Ring of Honor is staying in Jacksonville.

During Sunday’s tapings at WJCT Studios, Tony Khan came out and announced that Jacksonville was the new home of ROH, and the promotion would be returning to the building on March 22 for another set of tapings. WJCT is the PBS affiliate in Jacksonville.

AEW listed the tapings last weekend, where tickets to the show were free.

“On Sunday March 1st, Ring of Honor storms into WJCT Studios in Jacksonville, FL for a special afternoon of HonorClub tapings and you can be there live, for FREE!,” the website said. “Fill out your registration form for up to four free tickets and have the stars of ROH bring you out of your seat with incredible action that only they can deliver!”

Since Tony Khan’s purchase of the promotion, ROH has mainly taped prior to or after AEW’s television shows, airing each Thursday on Honor Club. Bandido, the current ROH World Champion, is scheduled to wrestle Andrade el Idolo at AEW Revolution on March 15. He has been out of action since February with a minor injury.

AEW Dynamite episode was rewritten due to injuries & illnesses

Posted on by Josh Nason

Parts of Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite from Sacramento, California, had to be rewritten due to the medical fallout from last weekend’s trip to Australia and apparently the week before.

On the post-Dynamite edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer said he was told that information in the afternoon while also noting Swerve Strickland vs. Kenny Omega and the four-way TBS title match were not affected.

“…There was a lot of illnesses, both people from Australia, and there were some injuries, too. There was a lot of illnesses from people, some in Australia, but a lot who didn’t go. So, the feeling was that it may have been somebody sick last Wednesday (at Dynamite) and a lot of people got it,” he said, adding it was a skeleton crew for last night’s show in a lot of ways.

He said The Beast Mortos specifically wasn’t originally scheduled to be there, but then took on Kevin Knight in a singles match. Meltzer didn’t have any of the specific names or angles affected.

AEW’s next live show is this Saturday for Collision in Oceanside, California. Other than an MJF/Hangman Page segment for next Wednesday’s Dynamite, nothing else was announced.

MJF credits Cody Rhodes, Tony Khan, Adam Sandler for where he is today

Posted on by Joseph Currier

MJF wouldn’t be where he is today without the support he’s received from Cody Rhodes, Tony Khan, and Hollywood star Adam Sandler.

On Insight with Chris Van Vliet, MJF said he and Rhodes still remain in touch despite working for different companies. It was Rhodes who got MJF booked on the first-ever All In back in 2018, and MJF will always appreciate Rhodes for making that happen.

“Yeah, absolutely,” MJF responded when asked if he and Rhodes are still in contact. “Look, I’m not sitting here without Cody Rhodes. Cody Rhodes booked me for All In, which got me in front of Tony Khan, which got me signed to a contract. Like [CM] Punk, I hope whatever he’s doing, he’s happy right now. And, I mean, you would think he would be.”

Rhodes and Khan were critical to helping MJF’s wrestling career get off the ground. As he branches out into Hollywood, MJF feels that same level of gratitude toward Sandler after working together in “Happy Gilmore 2.”

“When I got to work with him, it was so apparent to me how — obviously, you already know how talented he is, but how much of a good down to earth human being he is,” MJF said. “Like, whatever happens to my career now is because, no different than Cody and Tony taking a chance on me, in my career in LA, is because Adam Sandler took a chance on me. And that’s something I’m never going to forget. And when I make it big, which I will, it’s something I’m never going to let him forget.”

The next movie role for MJF is “Violent Night 2,” which is scheduled to be released this December. In AEW, he is the current World Champion and has a title defense this weekend against Brody King at Grand Slam Australia.

Harley Cameron: Wrestlers ‘aren’t just numbers’ to Tony Khan

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Harley Cameron loves working for Tony Khan because of how much he cares about everyone on the AEW roster.

While speaking with radio station 107.7 The Bone, Cameron discussed how “special” it is to have Khan as a boss. She feels Khan has created a workplace where everyone is valued as an individual, which is a rare thing for any job even outside of pro wrestling.

“Oh yeah,” Cameron responded when asked if the passion Khan shows in public exists behind the scenes. “Tony is passionate and he cares. We aren’t just numbers. This isn’t a thing that makes you feel like you’re a part of the machine. He will sit and be there every single match, and he will talk to you after your match and he will genuinely be excited and be thankful. The craziest thing in the world is that you’re there to do your job, but you’re treated like somebody and really seen. And I think what makes that so special is the fact that a lot of workplaces, in all industries, don’t have that. Like, how rare is it to have a boss that is that excited and passionate and cares about you as an individual.

“So Tony cares about us as individuals, and I think that that is so special and it is something that we’re very lucky to have. He’s there for every single match, he’s there for every single show, he doesn’t miss anything. And then when you come back behind those curtains, he is there for you, and he’s excited for you, and he’s supportive. And I think that in itself is so special.”

Cameron credited Khan for coming up with the idea to pair her with Willow Nightingale. The two are the inaugural AEW Women’s Tag Team Champions and have a title defense against Megan Bayne & Penelope Ford coming up at AEW Grand Slam Australia this Saturday.

Becoming a champion so soon into her career is a “huge honor” for Cameron. She told 107.7 The Bone that QT Marshall, Orange Cassidy, Jon Moxley, and Nigel McGuinness are some of the people who have helped her out behind the scenes.

“These people don’t have to be giving me their time of day, you know? They’re established and they’re doing their own thing, and yet they’re taking their time to come and do that,” Cameron said. “I think that’s really admirable and really special. And that’s why it’s such a great sense of community at our workplace.”

Tony Khan gives update on Will Ospreay AEW injury recovery

Posted on by Joseph Currier

According to Tony Khan, Will Ospreay is doing “very, very well” in his recovery from injury.

Ospreay was forced out of action last summer when he needed to undergo surgery for a neck injury he was dealing with. Speculation regarding when he’ll be able to return ramped up last week when a video package highlighting Ospreay’s recovery aired on AEW Dynamite. The video did not provide a date for when Ospreay will be returning.

Khan addressed Ospreay’s status during an interview with radio station 107.7 The Bone.

“I talk to Will Ospreay a lot, and he’s doing very, very well and on the road to recovery, which is incredible news for AEW,” Khan said. “Because Will Ospreay’s one of our greatest stars we’ve ever had. And AEW’s a better place anytime Will Ospreay is involved in any aspect of All Elite Wrestling.”

Our Dave Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter last week that the goal is for Ospreay to be able to return by the time All In 2026 takes place at Wembley Stadium this August.

“They aired a Will Ospreay video showing him in the hospital when he had surgery and X-rays of his neck after surgery,” Meltzer wrote. “The goal, as stated, is for him to be back at Wembley Stadium. As we’ve noted, that feels fast but all along they’ve talked about a summer return.”

Last month, Ospreay was backstage at the January 21 edition of Dynamite in Orlando, Florida to undergo a medical evaluation. He also made a couple of appearances for NJPW in January and has been staying involved with the industry through his role as a producer for UK-based women’s indie promotion Pro Wrestling Eve.