Tony Khan Planning To Grow AEW In A Major Way In 2026
Tony Khan solidified AEW as a profitable wrestling business in 2025.
AEW began live-streaming Dynamite and Collision on Max (formerly HBO Max) starting January 1, 2025. This action was perceived as very important to the company’s survival and growth, greatly improving its availability and online presence.
The company also successfully expanded its international footprint with major shows like Grand Slam Australia in February and Grand Slam Mexico in June.
Plus, AEW had a strong showing at the Sports Illustrated Wrestling Awards last year, where it was voted “Promotion of the Year” by a panel of wrestling journalists and fans.
On top of that, AEW collectively won 10 awards in those SI Wrestling Awards, including matches, rivalries, and performers (like Rivalry of the Year, Match of the Year, etc.).
After wrapping up a successful year in 2025, Tony Khan is looking forward to making 2026 even better.
In a recent Twitter/X Live video, Khan said that AEW is entering 2026 with major plans to grow the business. His main focus is on expanding AEW’s reach “domestically and internationally.”
“AEW’s going to have a great 2026. I’m very, very excited about the things we’re doing. We’re making forward-looking moves, and I have plans to grow the business in a major way, domestically and internationally, and I’m really very excited.”
— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) January 18, 2026
Tony Khan Signs Zayda Steel
Tony Khan started the year 2026 strong with the signing of Zayda Steel, officially bringing her onto the AEW roster after her in‑ring debut on AEW Collision.
She impressed with a tough fight against Marina Shafir (although she lost the bout), earning Khan’s public confirmation that she is now All Elite.
Steel is a young talent from Virginia and a former WWE ID and Evolve wrestler. She is also a member of SkyFlight in the Ring of Honor.
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