Tony Khan Dismisses AEW Title Being A Joke

Tony Khan hit back at the idea that an AEW Championship was a “joke.”

Taz introduced the FTW Title into AEW back in 2020 with Brian Cage carrying the gold. The title’s lineage goes back to the veteran’s time in ECW back in 1998 where he created the championship.

At All In, Hook brought the title back into the family with a win over Chris Jericho as Taz locked in a Tazmission on Bryan Keith to a huge ovation. It’s been suggested that the title could now be retired with Hook looking to move on to bigger and better things after finally overcoming Jericho.

During the post-All In press conference, it was put to Tony Khan that the title was a “joke,” something the AEW boss quickly dismissed.

It wasn’t a joke or an insult. I brought it in as a really important part of the company, it wasn’t a joke or an insult. Taz didn’t bring it in as an insult at all. He brought it in to represent someone who was the top pushed heel against the strongest booked best wrestler in the world at the time, which is and was Jon Moxley.

Sam Smith, the journalist in question, later issued an apology, commenting that they misspoke.

I’m the reporter that asked the question about the FTW Championship and I would hate to see it get retired, @OfficialTAZ. I regret the word joke, I was trying to reference its origins as an unofficial belt in ECW & later AEW. In truth, I was trying to say how far it has come. 🧡

In response, Taz commented on the importance of the title while accepting Smith’s apology.

People make mistakes, you said you miss spoke. Maybe you were nervous, sh*t happens no big deal & @TonyKhan broke it down perfectly in the scrum.

“Joke” was a really inaccurate way to describe the FTW title in ECW & AEW. I’m sure u would agree, none of the FTW champions were or are jokes I can guarantee you that. Thanks for the support tho, I do appreciate that. 👍

Tony Khan Wants To Keep Daniel Garcia

During the same press conference, Tony Khan was asked about the status of Daniel Garcia after he returned to AEW for the first time since July.

At All In, Garcia returned to help Will Ospreay regain the International Title, but decking MJF who had put him out of action in the first place. The appearance sparked speculation Garcia had agreed to stay with AEW beyond the end of his current deal in October.

However, Tony Khan refused to discuss the star’s contractual situation. It’s believed Garcia is yet to sign a new contract.

H/t to ITRWrestling