Tony Khan Explains Why Hulk Hogan Is Banned From AEW
AEW President & CEO Tony Khan has garnered a reputation for signing numerous former WWE superstars, but Hulk Hogan is one individual he has explicitly stated he will not collaborate with.
In its establishment, AEW has successfully recruited several former WWE stars, including notable main event talent like Chris Jericho, Jon Moxley, Adam Copeland, and Bryan Danielson.
Additionally, the company has provided opportunities to individuals who did not reach their full potential in the WWE, with world champion Swerve Strickland being a prominent example.
Amidst this trend, AEW’s owner, Tony Khan, spoke out in 2020 about his decision to ban WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan from all AEW events. Khan’s stance on this matter, as documented by Wrestling Inc, reaffirms AEW’s commitment to its values and the standards it upholds.
Khan made it clear that Hulk Hogan is banned from all AEW events, citing Hogan’s past controversial remarks and the lack of an adequate apology for his actions.
Khan’s stance on this matter, as reported by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, emphasises his commitment to upholding the values and standards of AEW, particularly concerning issues of racial sensitivity
“What he said on the tape, long before George Floyd, I’ve told people I can’t work with Hulk Hogan… how can I look my black friends, football players, employees in the face or myself in the mirror after the things [Hulk] said and has never given an adequate apology for? He can’t blame what he said on tape on the dangers of social media.”
When addressing the surfacing of court-sealed tapes exposing Hulk Hogan making racially insensitive remarks, it is essential to consider the sensitive nature of the situation.
These tapes were pivotal in a libel case involving the gossip website Gawker, which was entangled in a controversy related to the disclosure of private matters and a series of public “outings.”
Consequently, this incident led to Hogan’s contract termination from the WWE in 2015.
Tony Khan Talks About WWE Hall Of Famers Welcome To AEW
Whilst Khan has made it clear that Hulk Hogan will not be a part of AEW any time soon, other legends are welcome to be a part of the promotion. Tony Khan has made it clear that he would be open to working with WWE Hall Of Famers moving forward. A former WWE superstar also spoke about working with the promotion.
H/t to WrestlingInc.com