AEW may be considered a more ‘hardcore’ wrestling product compared to its rivals in WWE, but Tony Khan isn’t afraid to cater to the casual fan. During AEW Full Gear’s Ground Zero pre-show, fans saw A.J. Befumo of the viral Costco Guys take on QT Marshall. While Befumo does have wrestling experience, he is better known for his TikTok videos, in an example of AEW appealing to an audience wider than die-hard wrestling fans.

Speaking on the Full Gear post-show media scrum, Khan was asked about Befumo’s match and appealing to the more casual fans. Making light of a previous interview where he called AEW for “sickos,” Khan said he had no issue catering to a more lax audience.

“I love reaching the casual fan… I’m a sicko wrestling fan but I care about the casual wrestling fan. I care about anybody who watches wrestling.”

Khan shared how he got into wrestling in a casual manner, as his introduction to the industry came through Sgt. Slaughter’s role on G.I. Joe. Khan had been unaware that Slaughter was a wrestler before the show, and said that a guest appearance by Hulk Hogan on the A-Team turned Khan onto watching wrestling.

Returning to the present, Khan suggested that bringing the Costco Guys on board may help some people get more into pro wrestling.

“I do believe that there’s going to be some kids and some young people and fans of all ages that probably have not watched a lot of wrestling that really liked Big Boom A.J, Big Justice, and The Rizzler.”

Khan also had some choice words for detractors of bringing the trio in, and believes their negativity may not just be about AEW appealing to casual fans.

“If anybody has anything negative to say about those guys, maybe they just have a negative outlook on a lot of things in life.”

Befumo also spoke on the media scrum with Khan inviting the wrestler/TikTok sensation to come back to AEW anytime he can. In the meantime, Khan won’t back down on appealing to casual audiences and continuing the tradition that got him into wrestling in the first place.

AEW may boast a massive roster of impressive talent, but no star has shined quite like Jon Moxley, according to Tony Khan. Sitting down with CHGO Sports, the AEW President didn’t hold back when praising the reigning AEW World Champion.

“Jon Moxley is AEW’s greatest star ever. Jon Moxley’s the four-time world champion… he’s a force in AEW.”

Khan spoke of Moxley’s epic arrival in AEW which saw him appear at the inaugural Double or Nothing pay-per-view in 2019. Looking to the future, Khan is excited about the “awesome world title fight” Moxley will have with Organe Cassidy at AEW Full Gear 2024.

In addition to his four reigns as AEW World Champion, Moxley held the Interim World Championship in 2022 to fill in for the injured CM Punk. Moxley is also a former AEW International Champion and represented AEW earlier this year as IWGP World Heavyweight Champion.

Khan’s comments are somewhat ironic given that Moxley and the Death Riders are at war with the AEW roster and plan to reshape the company into something they consider to be far better than what it currently is. Nevertheless, Tony Khan couldn’t be happier with all Moxley has done for AEW since his arrival, and fans can expect the reigning World Champion to remain a fixture of the main event scene.

AEW President Tony Khan is interested in the groundbreaking ‘WWE ID’ program, but is holding off judgment for the time being. The program will see WWE partner with independent promotions and allow signed talent (deemed ‘Prospects’) access to WWE’s training facilities, including the Performance Center in Orlando, Flordia.

Speaking on a media call ahead of this weekend’s AEW Full Gear pay-per-view, Khan said it’ll be “interesting” to see how things work out when AEW attempts to bring in a WWE ID prospect.

“I have some thoughts on it, but I will reserve my judgment until I actually test such a mechanism. I only know what I’ve read about them, but it’s interesting.“

Several names have already been confirmed for the WWE ID program with others yet to be publicly revealed. WWE ID Prospects are still being allowed to compete outside the promotion, though many are wondering if WWE’s openness will extend to allowing talent to work for the promotion’s chief rival.

Other Interview Highlights

Khan was asked about much more than just the WWE ID program. Other topics covered in the media call include:

• Khan believes that reports of Toni Storm’s ‘retirement’ have been exaggerated, and is confident she’ll have a career in wrestling to come.
• While AEW Rampage isn’t included in the new Warner Bros. Discovery package, Khan is looking into other options for where the show and other AEW content could go.
• When asked about AEW running smaller venues, Khan spoke of the recent crowd in Cedar Park, Texas and the “amazing” atmosphere brought on by the smaller setting.
• Khan praised Harley Cameron’s energy, promo skills, and athleticism and called the Australian a prime example of a rising talent.

Tony Khan isn’t going to stand by and listen to fan criticism of AEW, especially if the ‘criticism’ is entirely “disingenuous.” Sitting down with Iridian Fierro for WGN Radio, Khan said that while fans often give good feedback on his shows, there are plenty of examples when that isn’t the case.

“Sometimes, if it’s disingenuous, there’s nothing you can do. Sometimes it’s fans of a different promotion that don’t really have anything positive to say.”

One such example Khan brought up was AEW’s two All In: London events, as the attendance figure for the 2023 show came under scrutiny. Whether it was the initially announced 81,035 or the 73,000 figure many now believe, Khan finds it “insane” that some ‘fans’ see this as anything but a roaring success for his brand.

“That’s more people than were at the Mike Tyson/Jake Paul fight, and people were trying to say that, like, it was a bad number for AEW.”

Tony Khan Talks AEW’s Max Streaming Deal, Media Landscape

Other Interview Highlights

Khan broached many topics on AEW during the interview, including:

• Khan is excited to use the song November Rain to recap stories heading into Full Gear. He pointed out that while ECW used the song, AEW is the first wrestling promotion to have the rights to the song and does things “by the book.”
• Fans can expect an exciting time when AEW comes to the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York. The legendary arena, which hosted ECW events, will also host ROH Final Battle 2024.
• Khan spoke highly of Chicago and spoke of AEW’s connection to the city. He said it’s “very fitting that we keep coming back here to this great city.”

AEW President Tony Khan recently shared insights into the wrestling promotion’s growth, the changing dynamics of live entertainment, and how streaming is shaping AEW’s future. Speaking on Q101’s Brian & Kenzie, Khan reflected on AEW’s ability to adapt to industry shifts and expand its reach in key markets.

Adapting to Post-Pandemic Live Events

Khan discussed the significant changes in the live event industry brought about by the pandemic. During lockdowns, AEW hosted its shows exclusively in Jacksonville for over a year, a move that provided stability during a turbulent time. “Since we came out of that and started touring again, these last three years have been absolutely great being back on the road,” Khan said.

He highlighted AEW’s expansion into unexpected markets, including setting a new pro wrestling attendance record at Wembley Stadium for All In. The company’s ability to explore new territories has been a major driver of its growth.

Key Markets and Trends in Attendance

Major U.S. cities have been strongholds for AEW, particularly those with established professional sports teams or large colleges. Khan noted the importance of continuing to assess where AEW performs best. “In the major markets, we’ve had good success,” he said, emphasizing the company’s strategy of revisiting top-performing cities at the right frequency.

Chicago, in particular, stands out as one of AEW’s most successful markets. “Chicago has been first and foremost for us,” Khan said, calling it a cornerstone for AEW’s live event strategy.

Potential for Residency Shows

Residency-style events could play a larger role in AEW’s future, according to Khan. He praised the success of a recent residency in Arlington, crediting both the fans and AEW’s team for its impact. “I think it’s a great model and could be something to go back to,” he said.

The Evolving Media Landscape

Khan also addressed how AEW is navigating the changing television and streaming environment. While hardcore fans often follow ratings closely, Khan acknowledged that the average viewer is less concerned with these metrics. “I’m not sure the average fan actually pays attention to [TV ratings],” he said, noting that the focus for most is on enjoying the weekly programming.

Despite the challenges of a shrinking cable audience, Khan pointed to AEW’s sustained success on television. “As the cable universe has changed and the streaming audience has grown, wrestling has still delivered at a very high level week in, week out,” he said. He highlighted recent viewership gains for Dynamite and Collision as a testament to AEW’s consistency.

The transition to streaming is also a key part of AEW’s strategy. Starting in January 2024, AEW will debut live on Max, Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming platform. Khan expressed optimism about reaching a broader audience. “We’ll be available in almost twice as many homes,” he said, emphasizing the potential to attract new fans who primarily stream content.

Conclusion

Khan’s reflections offer a glimpse into AEW’s ability to adapt to an evolving industry. From overcoming the challenges of the pandemic to leveraging streaming as a growth tool, AEW continues to expand its reach while solidifying its place in major markets.

AEW President Tony Khan recently opened up on the promotion’s stacked roster having several Black wrestlers.

Since the promotion’s inception in 2019, Khan has signed several top names in the business and his presentation of Black wrestlers in AEW have been widely praised. Swerve Strickland had become their first Black world champion of the promotion at AEW Dynasty.

Speaking with CHGO Sports, Tony Khan opened up on Black wrestlers being widely featured in the AEW Shows and some of the big names include Swerve Strickland, The Hurt Syndicate, and Ricochet. The AEW President was asked about whether elevating them to the top level was a conscious decision. Tony Khan explained:

“I think you just said it. I’m conscious of it, but I also think that these are some of the best wrestlers in AEW you just named. So we’re really lucky to have those great stars.

We’ve been fortunate to be able to build up some great stars and also have a lot of great free agents come in to where I think so many of the top wrestlers, some of the top Black wrestlers in the world are in AEW, and I really think most of the top Black wrestlers in the world are now in AEW. But I think that is a conscious thing, but I also think it’s great.”

Most recently, The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley, MVP, and Shelton Benjamin) joined the promotion and they have already cemented their position as a top faction. ‘The All Mighty’ is also set to make his in-ring debut in AEW.

• Bobby Lashley’s AEW In-Ring Debut And More Set For AEW Full Gear

AEW has licensed the classic Guns N’ Roses song, ‘November Rain.’ AEW President Tony Khan thanked the legendary rock band on social media, and said the song will be used in promotional videos for the AEW Full Gear pay-per-view and ‘AEW November to Remember’ shows. He teased that fans could hear ‘AEW November Rain’ before the PPV.

Recently, AEW has licensed multiple songs for various uses including “The Final Countdown” by Europe for Bryan Danielson’s entrance. They have also licensed “Carry On Wayward Son” by Kansas, which was used as The Elite’s entrance music and Baltimora’s “Tarzan Boy” for Jack Perry during his ‘Jungle Boy’ gimmick. He also used “Walk” by Pantera for Rob Van Dam’s AEW debut.

Tony Khan on using licensed songs in AEW

Tony Khan has licensed a lot of songs in recent years but they haven’t been for a reasonable price. During Battleground Podcast, he explained:

“Sometimes people ask for money that I don’t think is reasonable, other times we have gotten deals that I thought were very fair.”

Khan has revealed that he paid for all of the licensed music in perpetuity. He added:

“Every great moment where we’ve licensed music, we still have that music, I paid for the rights in perpetuity. I’ve had a lot of other opportunities to license music and work with a lot of great artists. We’ve done all kinds of great stuff, and hopefully, someday all of that will be available for people to watch in perpetuity on the library forever.”

AEW is promoting their shows in the build-up to AEW Full Gear as ‘November To Remember’. AEW Dynamite will take place in Bridgeport, Connecticut while AEW Collision takes place on Thursday in Albany, New York. On November 20th, AEW Dynamite will head to Reading, Pennsylvania followed by AEW Full Gear on November 23rd in Newark, New Jersey. The following Wednesday AEW Dynamite and AEW Collision will be held in Chicago, Illinois.

Darby Allin’s plans to climb Mount Everest may be fraught with risks, but that’s nothing compared to what the AEW star does in the ring. Speaking to Levack and Goz, AEW President Tony Khan gushed about what has made Allin so appealing to fans ever since his arrival in AEW in 2019.

“He wants to try new things. It’s that risk-taking, that energy, these things make him so unique and appealing to the wrestling fans. I like to tap into that.”

Khan later went on to say the risks Allin takes in the ring are bigger than what he’ll face when he climbs the famed mountain in the Himalayas.

“He takes big risks, but it’s the risks he takes in the ring as a wrestler that are even more dangerous than when he climbs Mount Everest or does some of the craziest motorcycle stunts you’ll ever see. The guy is an absolute wizard in the ring.”

Allin planned to climb Everest in March of this year, in spite of an “insane” glass-pane spot at AEW Revolution that same month. Mere days later, Allin suffered a broken foot in a match with Jay White which has forced him to postpone his climb. Nevertheless, Allin remains determined to climb the mountain and plant an AEW flag at its summit and intends to document his perilous journey.

Khan may find that Allin’s AEW work supersedes Everest, but the 29,000-foot mountain is nothing to take lightly. According to Himalayan databases, over 320 people have died attempting to scale the mountain since records began in 1922. Climbers who perish on the mountain are often left there, due to the risks related to removing the body, a sign of their dedication to climbing, and as a somber reminder to others of the dangers of nature. 

One landmark on Everest is ‘Green Boots,’ which is the body of an unidentified climber on the Northeast Ridge route who is noticeable for his brightly colored boots. While never officially identified, it is believed to be the body of Tsewang Paljor, an Indian member of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police expedition who died as part of a 1996 climbing disaster. 

All Elite Wrestling (AEW) will make significant upgrades to its production capabilities in the coming months, including a renewed emphasis on a sports-style presentation. They’ll will implement the advanced technology starting in January 2025, as the promotion prepares to simulcast AEW Dynamite and AEW Collision on cable television and WBD’s Max streaming service.

Mark J. Burns of Sports Video Group reports on AEW’s plans to utilize Live Media Group’s IP-based mobile facilities, which will include the first North American-based production truck to feature the EVS MediaInfra Strata router.

Mike Mansury, AEW’s Executive Vice President and Head of Global Production, explains that they aim to leverage a cutting-edge production team to enhance the show experience.

“Starting in 2025, you’ll see more of a sports-style presentation in-arena, with added entertainment options for the audience during moments when there isn’t live in-ring action or pre-taped content on the broadcast,” Mansury said.

“We want to create a distinct atmosphere between the live event and TV show to make the experience feel even more special for fans in attendance.”

A new multi-year multimedia rights deal has been signed between AEW and Warner Bros. Discovery, giving AEW an influx of more money. AEW pay-per-views will be available on Max later in 2025 at a discounted price per event.

The promotion plans to tour with 16 production trucks, featuring overhauled A and B units to support this advanced setup.

Ahead of the debut of its programming on MAX, AEW has filed for several new trademarks.

AEW recently entered a multi-year media rights deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, officially announced earlier this month. On October 25, AEW filed for trademark rights to terms including AEW WrestleMax, WrestleMax, and AEW Max Month with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The trademarks are filed under “entertainment services,” with the following description:

“Entertainment in the nature of wrestling contests; Entertainment services in the nature of live wrestling performances; Entertainment services in the nature of production of wrestling programs and events; Entertainment services, namely, an ongoing multimedia program featuring wrestling distributed via various platforms across multiple forms of transmission media; Entertainment services, namely, production and distribution of ongoing television programs in the field of wrestling.”

New Agreement

The deal is valued at $555 million over three years, excluding revenue from pay-per-view (PPV) events. AEW PPVs will become available on MAX later in 2025 at a discounted price per event.

While Dynamite and Collision will continue airing on TBS and TNT, AEW’s pay-per-view library will be added to MAX. However, it won’t launch with past AEW TV episodes on January 1st as previously anticipated.

All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has made numerous signings since its inception in 2019, bringing in a mix of established stars and up-and-coming talent. However, not all of these acquisitions have made a lasting impact on the promotion. Here are five AEW signings that may have slipped your mind.

1. Danny Limelight

Danny Limelight’s brief stint in AEW is a perfect example of a signing that flew under the radar for most fans. 

In 2021, Limelight appeared in 18 matches for the company, primarily on AEW Dark and Dark: Elevation. Despite sharing the ring with notable stars like Jon Moxley, Konosuke Takeshita, and even Kenny Omega, Limelight’s time in AEW was short-lived.

Notable Matches

• Faced Ethan Page, Christopher Daniels, and Jon Moxley in singles competition
• Teamed with Matt and Mike Sydal against Kenny Omega, Michael Nakazawa, and Konosuke Takeshita

2. Awesome Kong

Awesome Kong’s signing with AEW was initially met with excitement, as many fans anticipated a dominant run for the former TNA Knockout. 

However, her time in the company was disappointingly brief and underwhelming. Kong’s limited appearances and lack of significant storylines led to her becoming a forgotten member of the AEW roster.

What Went Wrong

• Limited television appearances
• Absence of meaningful feuds or storylines
• Failure to capitalize on Kong’s imposing presence and in-ring reputation

3. Anthony Ogogo

The Olympic bronze medalist boxer Anthony Ogogo was touted as a promising prospect when he signed with AEW. 

Despite initial hype and a high-profile feud with Cody Rhodes, Ogogo’s momentum quickly fizzled out. His limited in-ring experience and lack of consistent booking have resulted in him becoming lost in the shuffle of AEW’s crowded roster.

Career Highlights in AEW

• Feud with Cody Rhodes, culminating in a match at Double or Nothing 2021
• Member of The Factory stable
• Sporadic appearances on AEW Dark and Dynamite

4. Angelico

South African high-flyer Angelico joined AEW in 2019 as part of the tag team TH2 with Jack Evans. 

Despite his impressive aerial abilities and unique style, Angelico has struggled to find a consistent place on AEW programming. His infrequent appearances and lack of significant storylines have caused many fans to forget he’s still part of the roster.

Career Trajectory

• Initial push as part of TH2
• Occasional matches on AEW Dark and Elevation
• Transition to Spanish-language commentator

5. Ariya Daivari

Former WWE Cruiserweight Ariya Daivari signed with AEW in 2022, but his impact on the company has been minimal. 

While he has made appearances on AEW programming, Daivari’s role has been largely relegated to that of a coach rather than an active in-ring performer.

Current Status

• Primarily works as a coach behind the scenes
• Occasional matches on AEW Dark and Elevation
• Limited involvement in major storylines or feuds

The Challenge of Roster Management

AEW’s approach to talent acquisition has been both praised and criticized. While the company has successfully built a diverse and talented roster, it has also faced challenges in effectively utilizing all of its signed performers. 

This has led to situations where promising talents like those mentioned above fail to gain traction and ultimately fade into obscurity.

Tony Khan has become a prominent figure in the world of sports and entertainment, making waves in professional wrestling, football, and beyond. This article delves into various aspects of Khan’s life and career, exploring his net worth, involvement with Fulham FC, his famous father, age, and the recent controversy surrounding CM Punk.

Tony Khan’s Background and Age

Born on October 10, 1982, in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, Antony Rafiq Khan is currently 42 years old. He grew up in a family that would later become known for its business acumen and sports investments.

Khan graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science degree in finance.

Net Worth and Business Ventures

While Tony Khan’s exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, it is reported that he is worth around $1.5 Billion as of 2024. is

Khan involved in several lucrative business ventures that contribute to his wealth:

All Elite Wrestling (AEW)

Khan is best known as the founder, co-owner, president, CEO, and head of creative for All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Launched in 2019, AEW has quickly become a major player in the professional wrestling industry, competing with WWE for market share and talent.

Read More – Tony Khan Had Started Planning Launch of AEW Months Before All In

Football Investments

Tony Khan holds executive roles in two prominent football organizations:

• Jacksonville Jaguars: He serves as the chief football strategy officer for the NFL team owned by his father.
• Fulham FC: Khan is the vice-chairman and director of football operations for the English football club.

Other Ventures

Khan is also involved in TruMedia Networks, Activist Artists Management, and Ring of Honor (ROH).

Shahid Khan: Tony’s Billionaire Father

Tony Khan’s father, Shahid Khan, plays a significant role in his son’s business endeavors and success:

Background

Shahid Khan was born in Pakistan and came to the United States at the age of 16. He started from humble beginnings, working as a dishwasher while studying at the University of Illinois.

Business Success

Shahid Khan built his fortune in the automotive industry through his company Flex-N-Gate. His success has led to a number of high-profile investments in sports teams.

Sports Ownership

Shahid Khan owns both the Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL) and Fulham FC (English football). He is also the lead investor in AEW, supporting his son’s venture into professional wrestling.

Wealth Ranking

As of the latest Forbes list, Shahid Khan ranks 144th among the world’s billionaires. This immense wealth has undoubtedly provided Tony Khan with significant resources and opportunities in his various business pursuits.

Fulham FC Involvement

Tony Khan’s role at Fulham FC has been both prominent and occasionally controversial:

Achievements

During Khan’s first full season as vice-chairman, Fulham earned promotion to the Premier League.

Challenges

The 2018-2019 season saw Fulham make expensive signings but ultimately face relegation. Khan faced criticism for his management decisions and a public spat with a supporter1.

Current Status

Despite past challenges, Khan continues to play a crucial role in Fulham’s operations as vice-chairman and director of football operations.

The CM Punk Controversy

One of the most talked-about incidents in recent wrestling history involves Tony Khan and former AEW star CM Punk:

CM Punk’s AEW Run

CM Punk joined AEW in 2021 to much fanfare. His tenure included multiple reigns as AEW World Champion.

The Backstage Incident

Reports suggest that a backstage altercation occurred between CM Punk and other AEW talent, leading to tension within the company.

Termination and Aftermath

In a surprising turn of events, Tony Khan fired CM Punk from AEW. This decision has been a topic of heated debate among wrestling fans and industry insiders ever since.

Vince McMahon allegedly had no appreciation for the talent of Christian Cage while in WWE, but someone who does is his current boss Tony Khan.

Cage trended on social media on Thursday night after former WWE commentator Todd Grisham shared an antedote that Vince McMahon once gave him on the headset to hype Christian to the ring. Cage was set to go against then ECW Champion Jack Swagger, but Grisham very much undersold the surprise that was Christian Cage.

Khan would then go on X to make his own post to say “Christian Cage is the man.” Khan also has an immense amount of respect for Cage’s former partner, Adam Copeland, noting of his efforts to help those affected by Hurricane Helene.

Cage did have a World Heavyweight Title reign while in WWE, but the veteran could still that in AEW. The company’s ‘Father Figure’ has a World Title contract he can cash in at anytime.

As it stands now, Jon Moxley will challenge Bryan Danielson for the AEW World Championship this Saturday night at WrestleDream, but one of wrestling’s top heels isn’t beyond inserting himself into the equation. Cage has tried to do so previously against Danielson, but was thwarted by Claudio Castagnoli and PAC.

AEW is coming on Fox…but in Mexico.

Amid all the talks about Tony Khan’s promotion looking for a new platform for their third show, they have at least started a new relationship with Fox.

The Fox Sports Mexico account announced on Twitter early on October 10, that they have acquired the media rights for all three AEW shows, including Rampage:

“WE GET IN THE RING WITH AEW! FOX Sports Mexico acquires the broadcast rights to All Elite Wrestling, one of the most spectacular professional wrestling brands in the world.”

AEW’s Media Deals

After months of speculation, AEW finally announced their US media rights renewal deal with WarnerBros Discovery earlier this month. In addition to the TV shows, a Max deal to carry out AEW PPVs at a discounted price for subscribers was also announced.

The announcement, however, did not have any mention of Friday Night Rampage. It’s believed that the show is set to be cancelled after the current contract with WBD expires and the new deal kicks in.

The belief is that Tony Khan is looking to replace Rampage with a new AEW program dubbed ‘Shockwave.’ He’s shopping around different networks for the show and the name of Fox has been brought up repeatedly.

With SmackDown leaving Fox last month, the Network company has a slot open. An AEW show costing less money seems like a good option to replace the Blue Branded Show.

• Details On AEW’s Projected 2025 Profits Under New WBD Deal

Adam Copeland and Dax Harwood praised Tony Khan for donating towards the relief efforts after Hurricane Helene and the AEW President wanted to tip the cap back to his stars.

Speaking on the AEW WrestleDream media call, Khan mentioned how Copeland credited him for helping police with Starlink connections in those affected by Hurricane Helene and shared with the media something he believed Copeland wouldn’t want to be shared.

“Adam called me last week at backstage at Collision and he was with FEMA workers and he was working with them, he’s helping them. And they were digging bodies out and, and they were dealing with this terrible, terrible tragedy.”

After Copeland credited Khan for his charity, Harwood backed up Copeland’s story stating that all it took for Tony to contribute was “one ask.” Khan noted both stars were doing their part in North Carolina. Cash Wheeler set up a GoFundMe (donate here) for those in western part of the state that has nearly tripled the $25,000 goal.

“Adam and Dax and Cash and everybody chipping in on the relief efforts and the hurricane problem and as the damage and God forbid the loss of life and all these things start to become a reality, it’s terrible.”

Khan went on to note how busy he’s been with promoting WrestleDream and dealing with the travel issues stemming from Hurricane Helene, but seeing and hearing about all the damage puts matters in perspective and made clear that this past episode of Dynamite was certain to have an 800 number where fans could donate if they were able.

“I care about [AEW] so much what we’re doing and yet, I would be remiss not to bring the charitable aspect of this end of the show and to try to get people to donate…

“It wasn’t all about promoting AEW on TBS last night. It’s also about promoting hurricane relief and whatever we can do to help people.”

If you’d like to donate to any of the non-profits on the ground for those in North Carolina, below is a screenshot of the QR codes presented on AEW Dynamite.

This week, AEW confirmed a new multi-year multimedia rights deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, the culmination of lengthy discussions between the two sides. Starting in 2025, AEW pay-per-views will be available on Max at a discounted rate per event while Dynamite and Collision will continue to air in their current time slots on TBS and TNT.

Variety initially reported that the deal is valued at upwards of $150 million per year, though this number appears to be conservative. Dave Meltzer reports that the deal is actually worth $555 million over three years, or approximately $185 million annually, not including revenue from PPV events.

AEW is estimated to earn $95 million in additional revenue from the deal, Meltzer adds, which would leave AEW within a profit window of between $61 million to $76 million in 2025. It’s added that this window could be slightly lower if attendance, merchandise sales, or pay-per-view sales decline in the coming years.

In recent years, AEW has seen a worrying record of declining attendance figures, though has a reason for sticking with large arenas. Similarly, AEW has seen a fall in its ratings, with this week’s fifth anniversary of Dynamite seeing a drop from last week’s episode (702,000 to 680,000 according to PW Torch) despite a stacked card including multiple title matches.

It’s worth considering that these are estimated figures, and since AEW is not a publicly traded company, they are under no obligation to disclose their real numbers. Nevertheless, these figures certainly paint a bright future for AEW, Tony Khan, and the company’s roster of talented individuals.

AEW has released a video of Tony Khan and Bryan Danielson thanking the fans after the 5-year anniversary special of Dynamite from Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia went off air.

Khan first mentioned that Pittsburgh was one of the first places they visited when Dynamite started and thanked the fans. He then thanked Bryan for his 3-year run with the promotion.

The AEW World Champion took the mic and credited TK for creating an alternative to WWE. Addressing the crowd, Danielson thanked them for making him a WrestleMania main eventer:

“First of all, I’d like to thank Tony Khan, without whom, AEW wouldn’t be here. You wouldn’t have an alternative. It is better that AEW exists – for the wrestlers, for the production people, and for professional wrestling fans. I first wrestled in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 23 years ago. And I don’t know if you guys remember, but you were the crowd that made me into a WrestleMania main eventer. So, I just wanted to say thank you, Pittsburgh.

• Chris Jericho Evokes Jay Briscoe, Will Challenge Mark At AEW WrestleDream

Best Wrestling Company In The World: Bryan Danielson

Bryan Danielson then claimed that AEW is the best wrestling company in the world. It has the best locker room and fans, for whom he left a lifetime job at WWE:

“And last but certainly not least, I want to thank all the men and women in the back because they’re the ones who made this place so great that I had a lifetime job at WWE, and I chose to come here because they were the best wrestlers in the world, the best fans in the world, and this is the best wrestling company in the world. Now, next week, check out WrestleDream, cause at WrestleDream in Tacoma, Washington. I am gonna kick Jon Moxley’s fucking head in.”

The 5 Year Anniversary show gave fans a lot to talk about with both good and bad news coming out of the show. The episode saw a huge debut and the return of Jay White from his injury.

Prior to Dynamite, however, a couple of wrestling talents suffered injuries during the ROH tapings. This included the current ROH tag champ Sammy Guevara who had to be stretchered out of the arena.

• Tacoma Comic Store Promises Free Books If Bryan Danielson Wins At WrestleDream

In recent days, Hurricane Helene has ravaged the United States, with at least 125 people losing their lives and many more being affected. Alongside national assistance, individuals have been trying to do what they can to help out, and the world of wrestling is opening its hearts, and its wallets, to those in need.

AEW’s Cash Wheeler has launched a GoFundMe to help those affected by Hurricane Helene which has proven to be a huge success. The fundraiser has already smashed past its original goal of $25,000 USD and at this time, is sitting at over $53,000.

Here are some notable names from wrestling who have pitched in:

• AEW President Tony Khan – $10,000
• Chris Jericho – $5,000
• Nick Massie (aka Nick Jackson) – $2,000
• Orange Cassidy – $1,500
• Pamela Martinez (aka Bayley) – $1,250
• MJF – $1,000
• Matt Cardona – $500
• Cezar Bononi – $300

Hurricane Helene has affected several plans in the world of wrestling, with MLW canceling its October 4, event due to the storm. TNA has similarly canceled its upcoming tapings in Spartanburg, South Carolina, that had been scheduled for October 4. CJ Perry’s mother was left stranded due to the storm, as was her father, though Perry has since shared that her mom and dad have now been reunited.

Hurricane Helene has devastated lives, and Wheeler’s GoFundMe will do a lot of good to help those most in need. We here at SEScoops are sending our very best wishes to those affected by Hurricane Helene.

Tony Khan appeared on the Quinn & Cantara podcast to promote Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite’s 5-year Anniversary special.

During the conversation, the AEW & ROH President was asked if he’s had a chance to check out the Netflix “Mr. McMahon” docu-series that’s been dominating the news cycle since its release last week. Khan says he’s been too busy to see what all the fuss is about, and was quick to point out he’s never met him or worked with him.

“No, I’ve been so busy with football and wrestling that I have not seen that documentary.”

– Tony Khan on the Netflix “Mr. McMahon” docuseries

Khan was quick to distance himself from the former WWE boss, stating:

“I’ve never met him and have never really worked with him.”

– Tony Khan on Vince McMahon

AEW As the Challenger Brand

Khan has long prided himself in All Elite Wrestling being the “challenger” brand to the decades-long industry leader, WWE. Ahead of Wednesday’s big event, Khan took a moment to reflect on the journey thus far.

“I have grown up as a wrestling fan and historian of the pro wrestling business, so absolutely, we love being the challenger promotion and trying to grow and build AEW from the ground up.

It’s only been five years and we’ve done a lot in that time.”

– Tony Khan on AEW being the “Challenger Brand” to WWE

When AEW launched in 2019, Tony Khan gave WWE its most significant competition in close to two decades as fans flocked to an alternative to ‘Sports Entertainment.’ Both companies have seen major changes in the nearly six years since Khan and others announced AEW, but the 41-year-old’s competitive spirit remains stronger than ever.

Appearing on WFAN Daily, Khan was asked about AEW’s standing in wrestling, and how long it’ll be until they “dethrone” WWE. Khan admitted that his battle with WWE is a constant fight, one that neither side can take a break from.

“I want to be ahead, but it’s a constant fight—it’s 52 weeks a year. You’d appreciate that in this industry; it’s a 52-week-a-year business. Wrestling is the only sport with no offseason.”

When asked if competing with WWE had become an obsession, Khan answered diplomatically, noting that such an obsession isn’t confined to just pro wrestling.

“Fighting is an obsession. I think it’s really a driving obsession, competition, especially in wrestling and sports. I think it’s similar to sports—you have to focus on doing your best.”

Facing Off With WWE

AEW hasn’t backed down from going head-to-head with WWE, as seen in the ‘Wednesday Night Wars’ that saw Dynamite consistently garner more viewers than NXT. In October 2023 though, the tables turned as WWE NXT comfortably beat Dynamite when AEW’s flagship show aired on a Tuesday. Both shows featured stacked cards, proving that there’s still plenty of competitiveness between the two sides.

Though not an in-ring talent, Khan isn’t afraid to trash-talk, even referring to WWE as the Harvey Weinstein of pro wrestling. In October 2023, Khan labeled Triple H and Shawn Michaels “bald a**holes” ahead of NXT’s aforementioned win over Dynamite.

As the competition between the two companies intensifies, the ultimate winners are the fans, who now have two titans of the wrestling world delivering their best week after week. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on AEW and WWE and their never-ending battle to be the best.

AEW President Tony Khan has worked closely with Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) for years now, with a new deal between the two sides estimated to be in the ballpark of $170 million ballpark. Fans can expect plenty more of AEW programming on TNT and TBS and Khan has big plans for his product on the streaming platform MAX.

Sitting down with WFAN Daily Monday morning, Khan shared his enthusiasm for AEW’s future with WBD and future plans with the streaming platform.

“The plan is, I think, to do a lot of things potentially with MAX. That could involve a variety of things… Everything is on the table.”

One of the biggest changes fans can look ahead to is AEW ending its partnership with Bleacher Report who are set to be phased out as the home of AEW pay-per-views.

“We’ve had great conversations about streaming. We’ve been doing it on B/R, but they are sunsetting Bleacher Report. We’re going to be doing our PPVs on other apps.”

Although the home of AEW programming on demand will be changing, Khan has made clear that AEW’s live TV content will remain on TNT and TBS, a point he felt the need to reiterate this week.

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… I can promise you, I’m 100% confident that you’re going to have AEW on TBS and TNT for a long time to come.”

Khan’s latest update on his talks with WBD comes ahead of AEW’s Grand Slam events, a highlight of the promotion’s calendar. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on AEW’s talks with Warner Bros. Discovery and for all the excitement from Grand Slam.

During the April 24, 2024, edition of AEW Dynamite, Tony Khan found himself the victim of an attack by The Elite, culminating with a spike piledriver by The Young Bucks that wrote Khan off of TV for months. While Khan has since made a full recovery and resumed his regular appearances for AEW, fans shouldn’t expect him to engage in any more physical confrontations.

Speaking to amNY Metro, Khan was asked if he has any interest in showing his mettle in the ring. While Khan is fiercely passionate about pro wrestling, The Elite has made the AEW President wary of future physical altercations.

“I didn’t step into the ring voluntarily. I would hope to avoid such physical altercations in the future.”

Khan’s injury, and the aftermath, were highlighted in NFL Films’ A Day in the Life of Tony Khan, which aired this week on FS1. He appeared wearing the neckbrace during the 2024 NFL Draft, and later auctioned off the brace for charity, raising money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to support the fight against childhood diseases.

Wrestling Authority Figures

Khan’s restraint from wrestling sets the AEW President apart from other executives with Vince McMahon, Eric Bischoff, and Paul Heyman all stepping in the ring over their respective careers. Some have even gone on to hold championship gold with McMahon boasting reigns as WWE and ECW World Champion, and even won the 1999 Royal Rumble. The former WWE Chairman, soon to be the subject of a Netflix docuseries, holds victories over Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Bobby Lashley, and even God.

Khan may hope to avoid physical altercations, but wrestling fans have learned time and again to never say never. While the idea of the AEW President lacing up a pair of boots may seem far-fetched, so did the idea of Shane McMahon join AEW until his meeting with Khan earlier this year. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on Tony Khan and whether the billionaire steps foot in an AEW ring as a competitor.

AEW President Tony Khan sat down with Going Ringside With The Local Station this week to discuss a variety of topics related to AEW. When asked about reports of the promotion reaching a new deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, Khan confirmed with absolute certainty that AEW will remain on TBS and TNT for the foreseeable future.

“It’s an exciting time for AEW, we’re coming into the future. But I can tell you that 100% AEW is moving forward with TBS and TNT. They’ve been great partners and you can count on us.”

On The Support of His Father

While Khan works alongside his father Shad with the Jacksonville Jaguars, it wasn’t until this year that the elder Khan appeared for AEW. While Tony wishes his father’s debut had come under better circumstances than his ambush by The Elite, the younger Khan said his father has always supported the promotion and it “means the world [to me] that he’s so bought into AEW.”

On Mercedes Mone

After appearing in the crowd at AEW All In: London 2023, Mercedes Mone officially joined AEW in March of this year at the Big Business: Dynamite. As TBS Champion and NJPW Strong Women’s Champion, Mone has proven to be a force to be reckoned with, one that Khan is pleased to be working with.

“I think she’s one of the greatest pro wrestlers in the entire world. She’s a huge, huge star, a huge signing for AEW… She’s just at the top of her profession right now.”

On The Retirement of Sting

At AEW Revolution 2024, Sting competed in his final wrestling match; teaming with Darby Allin to defeat The Young Bucks in an emotional send-off. Khan was unsurprisingly thrilled with how Sting’s last match went and called it one of the greatest moments of AEW’s entire five-year history.

Tony Khan has compared the difference between 2024 All In and All Out to a classic movie franchise.

The two AEW PPVs were held only two weeks apart but there was a stark difference in the feeling coming out of the two shows. Bryan Danielson was one of the featured stars for both these events but things changed completely for him in the few days between the shows.

The AEW President recently appeared on Busted Open Radio to talk about the upcoming Grand Slam special on September 25 as well as the company’s most recent PPVs. He mentioned how Bryan made his first appearance for the promotion three years ago at All Out and claimed that Danielson has completely changed his company.

Discussing the difference between this year’s All In and All Out, Tony Khan mentioned how Bryan Danielson went from living one of the greatest moments of his life to one of the worst:

“To talk about Bryan Danielson for a moment and the three-year anniversary—and like I said—to go from All In, which was one of the greatest moments of my life, to go to All Out, which was, I think, the juxtaposition…to say that for Bryan, I think All In was one of the great moments of his life, and then All Out probably one of the worst.”

Tony Khan Says AEW’s Future Is So Bright, He Needs Sunglasses

They Go So Well Together: Tony Khan

Khan compared the difference between the endings of the two shows to first two Star Wars movies, while also claiming that they go well together:

“I mean, you know, [for] Star Wars people, it’s New Hope and Empire Strikes Back. Um, but they were very different things, but they were both amazing, and they go so well together.

All In and All Out stand as two of our greatest pay-per-views, and I’m very excited going into WrestleDream about what’s happening in AEW. The future of the AEW World Championship is yet to be determined, but at Grand Slam, the future of AEW is at stake, and so much is on the line.”

The American Dragon picked up one of the biggest victories of his career at All In from Wembley Stadium. He won the AEW title for the first time and celebrated with his family and friends to end the show.

On the other hand, Bryan got betrayed by Jon Moxley and the other BCC teammates at All Out and he had to be carried out of the arena after a brutal beatdown.

The AEW World Champion has not been seen on TV ever since. Though Nigel McGuinness has challenged him to a match at next Wednesday’s Dynamite.

• Tony Khan Teases Creating A Shockwave After Latest Trademark Filing

Fans of All Elite Wrestling can look forward to a very bright future for the promotion, according to AEW President Tony Khan. Sitting down with Dave LaGreca of Busted Open Radio this week, Khan shared an analogy of just how bright the future is for his first wrestling company.

“I didn’t bring my sunglasses to the Sirius studio today, but the future is so bright, I need them.”

Khan went on to discuss the reported new deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, which is said to be worth $170 million a year. That figure was shared by Puck News and is considerably more than the promotion’s current $70 million-a-year deal.

“I have not done any of the leaking. With all due respect to the fine people at the Puck establishment and the Puck people, I didn’t talk to them. I know they have been reporting things that are very interesting.”

The Future of AEW

In the ring, AEW will host its first stadium event in Australia next February with its Grand Slam show, while the company’s first stadium event in the U.S. will take place on July 12, 2025, from Dallas, Texas. AEW will return to the UK in 2025 with its Forbidden Door crossover show with NJPW, and will return to London in 2026 for All In.