Tony Khan To Continue To Allow AEW Stars To Be Their “Authentic Selves”
Tony Khan has no plans to change.
Brody King recently caused a stir in AEW by wearing an “Abolish ICE” t-shirt during Grand Slam Mexico. A line of shirts bearing the same slogan was then put on sale, with all proceeds going to The Local Hearts Foundation.
Meanwhile, World Champion “Hangman” Adam Page has regularly and openly supported the LGBTQ+ community on television.
During a media call ahead of All Out on September 20, Tony Khan was asked by Jonathan Ore of CBC about AEW positioning itself in a very different way from WWE. Although Cody Rhodes has claimed WWE is a “non-partisan brand,” it has several close public ties to Donald Trump and the United States government.
In response, Khan said that it’s important that AEW performers are allowed to be themselves and express themselves as they see fit.
“It’s really important to note that the wrestlers in AEW are presented very much so as their authentic selves. In the case of Brody King and Hangman Page, that’s who those guys are. That’s them being themselves. I respect Hangman Page, I respect Brody King. AEW is a wrestling organization, and we present wrestling.
I want wrestling fans from all over the world and all different perspectives. That’s one of the things that makes wrestling really great. It brings people from all walks of life together.”
Khan went on to say that while the wrestling is front and centre of the events that he promotes and books, the wrestlers involved need to feel they’re allowed to be themselves.
“One of the things that is great about pro wrestling is people from all different walks of life come together and share the experience one of the things that I believe, and that is great about AEW is the wrestlers are presenting their authentic perspective that is true to them, but also the wrestling company being a place where all the fans can come and watch the wrestling. That’s the focus of the show.
I employ Hangman Page and Brody King because they are awesome wrestlers. The thing on the marquee is wrestling. When the fans come in, I want them to know that is the focus of the show and that’s what we’re putting on. The wrestlers are themselves and that’s part of what makes the show great. Whether everyone agrees with everything every wrestler says or not is not the point of the show to me; it’s a great wrestling show.”
Tony Khan Could Counter WrestleMania 43
On September 12, it was announced that WrestleMania 43 will be held in Saudi Arabia. The move marks the first time that WWE’s most prestigious event will be held outside of North America.
This immediately sparked speculation that AEW could look to fill the space in the North American market with a huge event of their own tied to the several indie shows that usually make up WrestleMania week.
During the same media call, Tony Khan promised that he’ll have big plans for the Spring of 2027. However, he reiterated that at present, his sole focus remains on finishing 2025 in style.
H/t to Fightful