Tony Khan Recalls Challenging Time Running AEW Due To Injuries

Tony Khan opened up about one of the most difficult periods in his running of AEW.

Forbidden Door 2023 is in the books, and ahead of the blockbuster event, Tony Khan spoke on a media call and recalled putting on the first edition of the cross-promotional event in 2022.

First, he spoke about fostering a relationship with both Gedo and NJPW President Takami Ohbari.

“The rapport that’s been built, I already had a really good connection with Rocky, but Gedo and I were getting to know each other better last year and now I feel really close to Gedo, we’re friends and have a great relationship. He was in the office with me and working [at AEW Dynamite]. It was great to have him there. I really like Gedo and respect him. On the business side, I’ve built a stronger connection with Ohbari-san [NJPW President Takami Ohbari]. He’s done a great job with the New Japan Pro-Wrestling office and the business side. I love working with both of them.”

Continuing, Khan opened up about the difficulties he had in producing the event when so many of his top stars were injured ahead of the pay-per-view. Bryan Danielson, Kenny Omega, and CM Punk were among the names out of action for the show.

“This year, thankfully, knock on wood, we are not as injury bitten as we were last year at this time. Last year was the most challenging run of injuries that I’ve ever been through in any sport. This is my 12th year in the NFL, I’ve spent seven years as the director of Football with Fulham and now with AEW for four years, never have I seen anything like what happened last year between Double or Nothing and Forbidden Door in terms of huge stars getting injury in all different kind of ways. The injury bug truly hit us hard.”

[sided-debate-embed debate-id=”27723″]

While Danielson was able to compete against Kazuchika Okada at Forbidden Door 2023, he didn’t escape the match unscathed. Speaking at a media scrum following the event, Danielson confirmed that he’d fractured his forearm and expects to be out of action for 6-8 weeks.

h/t Fightful