Tag: Tony Khan

Tony Khan says AEW ‘constantly’ evaluating free agent market

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Tony Khan “constantly” has his eye on the free agent market looking for wrestlers who could be valuable additions to AEW.

Last week, Fightful reported that AEW was planning to make new signings, particularly in the women’s division with the aim of freshening up the roster. Khan was asked to respond to that report during an interview with radio station 107.7 The Bone that was conducted at Super Bowl Radio Row.

“I am constantly evaluating the market and scouting for fantastic wrestlers if they are available to join AEW,” Khan said. “And AEW is where the best wrestle, and it will be for a very long time.”

The Fightful report stated that AEW has already signed several wrestlers that have yet to be revealed.

Two potential new additions to the women’s division could be The IIconics (Cassie Lee & Jessica McKay), with our Dave Meltzer reporting that there has been “a lot of talk” regarding the former Peyton Royce & Billie Kay coming to AEW.

Tommaso Ciampa, The Rascalz, Jake Doyle, and the returning Andrade El Idolo are some of AEW’s recent new additions on the men’s side. Khan discussed the signing of Ciampa during this interview with 107.7 The Bone.

“He’s a fantastic wrestler,” Khan said. “And to have somebody of his quality come in, instantly he’s additive in AEW. We’ve got somebody that’s joined us that can have fantastic matches, whether it’s people he’s lined up against in past wrestling matches, whether it’s an old rival or somebody fresh and new that he’s never been matched up against, there’s so many exciting possibilities for Tommaso Ciampa in AEW.”

United States senator calls for Tony Khan to bring Bad Bunny to AEW

Posted on by Joseph Currier

A sitting United States senator is publicly calling for AEW to bring in Bad Bunny for some appearances.

In a tweet posted on Friday, Ruben Gallego — a Democratic senator from Arizona — called on Tony Khan to bring Bad Bunny to AEW. The music superstar is a huge wrestling fan and has developed a close relationship with WWE over the years, competing in three matches since 2021.

“@TonyKhan it’s time for @AEW to solidify a huge fan base,” Gallego wrote. “[Bad Bunny] love wrestling, need him to make some appearances. Just no stretcher match please.”

The tweet coincides with AEW making headlines this week for the “f*** ICE” chant that could be heard from fans on AEW Dynamite. Gallego’s post was also made in advance of Bad Bunny headlining the Super Bowl halftime show this weekend. Bad Bunny, like AEW wrestler Brody King, is a vocal critic of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), a federal law enforcement agency that has received significant scrutiny following the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis last month.

MJF, who was in the ring with King on Dynamite when the chants broke out, gave his thoughts on the moment during an interview with former NFL player Ross Tucker at Super Bowl Radio Row.

“Another thing that’s great at AEW is our fans have a voice. Literally last night, we were in Vegas and they started an ‘f*** ICE’ chant. Now, I don’t care what side of the political line that you land on, there’s no other wrestling promotion that wouldn’t censor the fans,” MJF said. “But we don’t do that, we’re the listening company. So if all the fans want to chant that, we’re going to let them chant that. And I think that that’s inherently really cool and awesome. And I think that’s what makes my company special. We don’t censor the fans. It’s nice. It’s really nice.”

Bad Bunny’s “Debi Tirar Mas Fotos” won Album of the Year last weekend at the Grammy Awards. His most recent wrestling match was a victory over Damian Priest at WWE Backlash 2023 in his native Puerto Rico. There were rumors that San Juan could again host the PLE this year, but that won’t be the case. Backlash 2026 will instead be held in Tampa, Florida on May 9.

At Arena Mexico in December 2025, Bad Bunny was spotted in the crowd attending a CMLL show.

Tony Khan names two AEW wrestlers to ‘watch for the future’

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

Tony Khan has named Kevin Knight and Persephone as two bright young stars who have a great future ahead of them.

While appearing at Super Bowl Radio Row on Thursday, Khan spoke with Compas on the Beat. When asked to name one male and one female AEW wrestler that could be AEW’s next big star, Khan had his response ready.

“I would say we have a great young group of wrestlers. I’m very excited about AEW and our partnerships with companies around the world. And, I think two wrestlers that are under dual contracts, that I’d say you want to watch for the future in AEW and worldwide, ‘The Jet’ Kevin Knight, who is coming from New Japan Pro Wrestling and is a fantastic young American wrestler, ‘The Jet’ Kevin Knight,” Khan stated.

“Who is signed to both AEW and New Japan Pro Wrestling. And he is now one-third of the AEW World Trios Champions as the Jet Set Rodeo. I think, ‘The Jet’ Kevin Knight, whether it’s in trios, tag teams as JetSpeed or ‘The Jet’ as a singles star. That’s one to watch for the future in any wrestling promotion in the world.”

“As far as young female wrestlers, Persephone, who works with AEW and CMLL, has come in. I think Persephone is fantastic. She also wrestled for me in ROH, and I think Persephone has all the tools. And again, talk about our partnerships, dual contracts, she’s a great star for CMLL, and she can be a great star in AEW too.”

Last year, after Persephone competed at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2025, WWE reportedly became interested in her. However, Bryan Alvarez later provided an update on her and claimed that WWE never approached her with a contract offer because of her CMLL contract obligations.

Persephone, 24, has been competing in CMLL since 2023 and has also been an active part of AEW and ROH since 2025.

Knight, 29, made his first AEW appearance in 2022, while still working with NJPW. Following several more sporadic appearances, Knight made his Collision singles debut in 2025, before finding himself in the popular tagteam with JetSpeed with ‘Speedball’ Mike Bailey. Knight currently holds the World Trios titles with Bailey and Adam Page.

Tony Khan announces AEW x NFL merchandise collaboration

Posted on by Joseph Currier

AEW and the NFL are linking up for their first-ever merchandise collaboration.

While appearing at Super Bowl Radio Row on Thursday, Khan spoke with Compas on the Beat and revealed that AEW and the NFL are partnering together to release lucha libre masks themed after all 32 NFL teams. The masks feature the AEW and NFL logos as well as branding for the specific teams. Khan called the collaboration a dream come true and said it’s something he’s been working to make happen for a while.

“It’s really exciting to be able to talk about a partnership that I’ve always dreamed of,” Khan said. “I’ve always wanted the NFL and AEW to work together. This is a Jacksonville Jaguars lucha libre mask. But I’m so excited about it because they will be putting this up and these will be available for all 32 NFL teams.

“So starting the first night of the NFL Draft, Thursday, April 23, we will have these masks available on ShopAEW.com for all 32 NFL teams. Now, finally, I’ve always wanted this. It’s a dream I’ve been working on for years, a partnership between the NFL and AEW. So whoever your NFL team is, whatever football team you’re a fan of, you’ll be able to get an All Elite Wrestling NFL mask for your team.”

The Khan family, led by Tony’s father Shahid, has owned the Jaguars since 2011. Tony Khan founded AEW in 2019 with his father serving as lead investor. Along with his AEW role, Tony is Chief Football Strategy Officer for the Jaguars and helps run the London-based Premier League soccer team Fulham FC that the Khan family owns.

AEW reportedly adding more women’s wrestlers soon

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

After a signing spree in 2025 and early 2026, AEW is reportedly not done acquiring more wrestlers and soon.

Fightful Select reported Wednesday that AEW is planning on further expanding with some new signings, specifically for the women’s side and all with a goal of freshening up the roster.

The outlet also noted that AEW has already signed several wrestlers, but has yet to make them public. No names were listed.

In the past few months, AEW has signed Andrade El Idolo, Jake Doyle, The Rascalz, Clark Connors and Tommaso Ciampa with Ciampa winning the TNT title last Saturday on Collision. They have also done some dual deals with CMLL as relates to Mascara Dorada and Persephone.

The new signings follows the exit of AEW talent like Powerhouse Hobbs who debuted with WWE at the Royal Rumble. 2025 saw high profile wrestlers like Ricky Starks, Miro, Rey Fenix and Malakai Black depart as well.

Tony Khan comments on Powerhouse Hobbs, Britt Baker, Steven Borden

Posted on by Ian Carey

Tony Khan commented on several current and former members of the AEW roster during recent interviews to promote Wednesday’s episode of AEW Dynamite in Las Vegas.

Khan appeared on The Yo Josh Martinez Show on Wednesday and was asked about Powerhouse Hobbs, who debuted for WWE in the Royal Rumble on Saturday after a five-and-a-half-year run with AEW.

Khan said:

“I think Powerhouse Hobbs had a great run here in AEW. He started wrestling here in Jacksonville, where I am now, and had some great matches and became a champion in AEW.”

“He’s a former TNT Champion, former World Trios Champion.”

“I’ll always wish him all the best.”

Khan also addressed Steven Borden, the son of Sting, who has been wrestling dark matches at AEW events of late. Asked on the Battleground podcast about Borden using his father’s former ring music for his AEW matches, Khan responded:

“It was my idea. It’s a song that was in a library, and we made a deal to get a certain number of plays. We haven’t used it on air yet, but we have a deal to use ‘Turbocharged,’ which is a track that was available through a music library, and I love licensing great music. That’s one of my favorite songs from my childhood. I think about it all the time, and I thought it would be really cool for Steven to come out to it.”

Borden’s most recent match was a dark bout on the January 21 episode of AEW Dynamite in Orlando. He teamed with QT Marshall in a win over Nathan Cruz and Rosario Grillo.

Khan continued to say of AEW developing Borden:

“Steven and developing him for the future is a huge priority to me and everyone in AEW.”

The AEW president also addressed Britt Baker’s status on Wednesday. Baker has not wrestled for AEW since November 2024.

Khan said of the former AEW Women’s World Champion:

“Britt’s somebody I really like and respect a lot. I definitely think as we’ve evolved, with more tag teams and singles wrestling opportunities across multiple shows, now that we have four hours of TV with Dynamite and Collision, I think there’s going to be more and more opportunities.”

“Britt’s still somebody very highly regarded and respected here in AEW. I would expect to see Britt back in AEW. I just don’t want to say when.”

Tonight’s AEW Dynamite is set for the Pearl Theater at the Palms in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Khan’s podcast appearances are available below:

Tony Khan says AJ Styles is ‘one of the all-time greats’

Posted on by Ian Carey

Tony Khan was asked about AJ Styles in a recent interview.

Styles’ WWE career appears to have ended following his loss to Gunther at the Royal Rumble in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday.

During an appearance on The Yo Josh Martinez Show, Khan said Styles is one of his favorites.

Khan said:

“I think that AJ Styles is absolutely a fantastic wrestler. He’s one of my favorites, and I think he’s had an amazing career all over the world. He’s never been in AEW before, but he has wrestled in Ring of Honor, and in Ring of Honor he had some fantastic matches.”

“As a fan, some of my favorite stuff is when AJ Styles was in New Japan Pro Wrestling. He had fantastic matches there. His match with Minoru Suzuki is one of my personal favorites, and he had a great alliance with the Bullet Club at that time.”

Styles and Suzuki met at Korakuen Hall during G1 Climax 24 in 2014. Styles had won the IWGP Heavyweight title from Kazuchika Okada at Wrestling Dontaku less than three months earlier. Dave Meltzer awarded the match four and three-quarter stars. 

Khan continued:

“Absolutely some of my personal favorite stuff would have been in New Japan Pro Wrestling with him. He’s somebody who’s had a great career in so many different companies around the world, and certainly I consider him to be one of the all-time greats.”

Khan did not comment on the possibility of Styles one day performing for AEW. Fightful reported earlier this week that Styles’ pending departure from WWE had been a “major point of conversation backstage in AEW at Dynamite.” However, it was also noted that it’s not clear if AEW has made the 48-year-old an offer.

Khan’s comments about Styles are cued in the video below:

Tony Khan: Andrade is truly ‘at his very best’ right now

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Tony Khan believes the current version of Andrade El Idolo is the best he’s ever seen.

After an issue with his WWE non-compete clause delayed things, Andrade officially returned to AEW in January. He’s coming off a victory over Swerve Strickland last week and is now set to face Kenny Omega on Dynamite this Wednesday night. Both Andrade and Omega are among the challengers looking to earn a title shot against AEW World Champion MJF.

Khan hyped Wednesday’s Dynamite card during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show today, including heaping praise on both Andrade and Omega.

“There’s top stars lining up to challenge the new champion MJF, including we’ve got Kenny Omega coming up to challenge him. We’ve got Kenny Omega taking on Andrade El Idolo,” Khan said. “Kenny Omega is one of the top challengers and certainly one of the top champions we’ve ever had in AEW. One of the greatest wrestlers ever in AEW, and he’s back at his very best. And then we have Andrade El Idolo, who’s returned very recently to AEW. And he is truly, I think, at his very best right now I’ve ever seen him. That’s a huge match.”

Andrade was originally with AEW from 2021-2023. Between his two runs with the company, Andrade went back to WWE for a stint that ended when he was released in September 2025. He returned to AEW soon after, but things then had to be paused as Andrade worked to get his WWE non-compete clause waived.

Dynamite is taking place in Las Vegas on Wednesday night, and the card also includes a singles match between MJF and Brody King. It’s an eliminator bout where the stipulation is that King will earn a title shot if he’s able to defeat the champion. MJF has vowed to defeat King in under two minutes.

JNPO: What did John Pollock learn about wrestling in 2025?

Posted on by Josh Nason

On a snowed in edition of Josh Nason’s Punch-Out, warm up by the podcast fire with the returning ⁠John Pollock⁠ of ⁠Post Wrestling⁠.

The guys talk for nearly an hour on what they learned about wrestling in 2025 with some hot takes about WWE, AEW, wrestlers, leadership and even some Linkin Park. (Yes, that Linkin Park.)

For example: Is TKO good for WWE and pro wrestling? Is WBD as good a partner to AEW as Netflix is for WWE? What is happening with DWAYNE and Triple H? Why are the rosters so damn bloated in the middle?

Revelations await. Join us.

Click here to listen for free or stream for free on either Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Just search Wrestling Observer.

Bishop Dyer reveals Tony Khan’s reaction to his AEW debut

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

Bishop Dyer has now revealed Tony Khan’s reaction to his recent AEW dark match debut before the latest edition of Dynamite.

Before the January 21st, 2026 edition of Wednesday night Dynamite began, Dyer, formerly known as Baron Corbin, teamed up with Martin Stone, Hadar Horvitz, and Ori Gold to face Austin Gunn, Billy Gunn, Brady Booker, and Elijah Drago in a losing contest.

Shortly after, speaking on Off The Ropes with Jonathan Coachman, Dyer detailed his experience and Khan’s reaction to his AEW dark match debut in Orlando, Florida.

“I know Tony (Khan) told me afterwards, he was like, ‘The match was so fun. I enjoyed it,’ and obviously, he’s working his ass off back there. I’m not gonna bother him with anything other than, ‘Thank you for allowing me to do that with Billy and Austin’ so that was the extent of our conversation.”

He also claimed, “The highlight of my day was not only being in the ring, with that crowd, because the crowd was just f***ing awesome through and through. But, the whole thing started because I went to pick up Big Show to take Big Show up to Orlando for the show and to just see my people, and they ended up switching their shows last night and adding Collision post-Dynamite, because there’s supposed to be a snowstorm.”

“So they did it last night, and we stayed through the end. So we didn’t leave Orlando till like 12:20, 12:30 at night. Drove back to Tampa, got to Odessa, dropped the big man off… Great time, great stories. I love that man to death.“

Dyer currently works with Major League Wrestling (MLW), where he is one-half of the promotion’s World Tag Team Champions alongside Donovan Dijak since June 2025.

Trey Miguel’s AEW release: ‘Something happened from way up’

Posted on by Josh Nason

It’s still unclear on the full story behind Trey Miguel’s AEW release, but our Bryan Alvarez had some updates on the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, available for free on YouTube or in audio form.

Alvarez and Dave Meltzer discussed the news around Miguel, who said on Sunday that he is taking some time away from wrestling with a report coming out that he had been released from his AEW contract days after signing it.

“No one’s really saying much. Well, some people are saying certain things, but my understanding is whatever it is, it came from up above. I know there’s a lot of rumors but it had nothing to do with anybody in AEW talent, anything like that, or Tony (Khan). Something happened from way up and he was released,” Alvarez said.

Miguel, Zachary Wentz, Dezmond Xavier and Myron Reed parted ways with TNA when their respective contracts/agreements were up at year’s end, signing with AEW. Wentz, Xavier and Reed appeared on camera during Saturday’s AEW Collision in a backstage segment with fans quickly noting that Miguel was nowhere to be seen.

Former WWE ID wrestler announced as AEW’s latest signing

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

After losing her AEW debut match against Marina Shafir, Tony Khan has announced Zayda Steel as a brand new addition to the company.

During Saturday’s AEW Collision Maximum Carnage, Steel made her AEW in-ring debut and went against Shafir in a losing cause. She had previously appeared on ROH TV in December 2025 and wrestled at ROH Final Battle, losing to Leila Grey.

Last week on Collision, Steel joined the SkyFlight faction alongside Scorpio Sky, Christopher Daniels, Dante Martin & Darius Martin, replacing Grey for the time being.

Before her time in AEW/ROH, Steel was in the WWE ID program starting in November 2024, but decided not to renew her WWE ID deal in October 2025. She made her WWE debut on the April 2, 2025, edition of Evolve, losing to Brinley Reece. After spending a few months at WWE/Evolve, she wrestled her last televised WWE match on the October 22 episode of Evolve against Thea Hail.

Tony Khan: I love Chris Jericho ‘very much’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Chris Jericho’s status remains a mystery seven days into 2026.

The end of 2025 marked the end of Jericho’s AEW contract, though he is still listed on the promotion’s roster page at the moment. There is no official confirmation as to whether he will be remaining with AEW or returning to WWE. A WWE return has been heavily rumored and there was speculation that he could show up on Raw this Monday, but Jericho did not appear on the episode.

Tony Khan did not offer much new information when asked about Jericho during an appearance on Unlikely with Adrian Hernandez. Instead, Khan spoke about how much he loves Jericho and how important Jericho has been to AEW.

“First of all, I’m really grateful — when I talk about people that have been here since the beginning and talk about that first show [Double or Nothing 2019] in Las Vegas — none of it would be possible without Chris Jericho, who has been instrumental in AEW from the very beginning,” Khan said.

“I love Chris very much. And I would say that Chris is always a big part of AEW, and I think this promotion is here to stay. Chris Jericho’s a huge part of our history. And we’re really proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish, and Chris is an instrumental part of it.”

Jericho was AEW’s inaugural World Champion and was a fixture on AEW television until April 2025, when he took a break from the promotion amid negative crowd reactions he was receiving.

If Jericho does come back to WWE, it would reportedly be for a retirement run and Hall of Fame induction. WWE is holding the 2026 Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia at the end of this month, so there is sure to be a lot of speculation about a surprise Jericho return if he has not popped up anywhere by then.

Tony Khan addresses whether AEW wrestlers will be part of NJPW G1 Climax

Posted on by Ian Carey

Tony Khan commented on AEW’s possible involvement in the G1 Climax this summer.

The tournament will kick off in Chicago at the NOW Arena on July 11. During an appearance on The Battleground podcast, Khan said he expects AEW wrestlers to be included in the tournament and discussed his working relationship with New Japan Pro Wrestling.

Khan was asked if he has creative input when AEW wrestlers are booked for NJPW tournaments. He responded:

“No, New Japan may come to me to book wrestlers into the tournament but how they handle their business, that’s completely New Japan’s prerogative. But we may work together. I think there could potentially be involvement from AEW wrestlers. I believe there will be, based on our early talks. So I’m excited about that, and the G1 coming this summer to America.“

Khan was also asked about NJPW referring to Andrade as an AEW wrestler at Wrestle Kingdom 20 and New Year’s Dash, and whether there was an update on his status.

“I’d say that bodes well, wouldn’t you?” Khan responded. “I think it bodes very well.”

Another topic Khan addressed during the interview was wrestlers having “creative control.”

“There’s no creative control. Only I have it. No wrestler has that. There’s a lot of freedom to work with the staff, and the coaches, and the wrestlers together and come up with ideas. I am one of the most collaborative people on the planet.”

Khan’s full interview with The Battleground podcast is below:

Tony Khan says promoting AEW awards success is ‘a balance of promotion and humility’

Posted on by Ian Carey

Tony Khan commented on AEW celebrating the Sports Illustrated awards it won in 2025 during a recent interview.

AEW won 10 awards in Sports Illustrated’s annual awards voting, including Promotion of the Year, and the company has frequently mentioned this on its programming. During a recent interview on the Battleground podcast, Khan said he wants to strike a balance between promotion and humility.

Khan said:

“I think we certainly had a fantastic year. It’s the most awards we’ve ever won. And to your point, in 2024, AEW did not win that award (Promotion of the year). In 2025, we did. That’s why I’m here at the SI Awards now, and I wasn’t invited to this last year. So I think we did put our heads down and do a lot of work. I think it’s good to be out and promote the show, and you’ve got to find a balance between humility and promotion. But you can do both.”

Khan also mentioned Sports Illustrated’s panel voting AEW Double or Nothing as the show of the year, while ESPN selected AEW Revolution. However, Khan said a case can also be made for AEW All In: Texas as the best event of 2025.

“They had AEW Revolution as the best show of the year. It speaks to the quality of the company that Revolution was ESPN’s pick for the best wrestling show in the world last year. And Sports Illustrated thought the best wrestling show in the world was Double or Nothing. I think there are a lot of people who would say the best wrestling show last year was AEW All In Texas.”

“So we really put out so many tremendous shows throughout the year. Those three were excellent, but it’s a 52 week-a-year business.”

Khan also commented on the recent retirement of Hiroshi Tanahashi at Wrestle Kingdom 20 at the Tokyo Dome.

“I thought that was so special, and I think it’s a great example of some of the great things that can be achieved. To have the massive audience that the show pulled, the huge crowd live, and the TV audience. It was very befitting Tanahashi’s legendary status. He’s a great choice to be the president of New Japan, and we’re very blessed to work with him. I’m so glad that his retirement was a great success, and I think it’s a tribute to him. We’re just blessed to be a part of that.”

Khan’s appearance on the Battleground Podcast is available below: