In one of his most revealing interviews since founding All Elite Wrestling, Tony Khan appeared in-studio on “The Ariel Helwani Show” to provide a candid look into the company’s past, present, and future. The AEW President addressed a wide range of topics, from the fallout with CM Punk to the status of top stars and the company’s competitive landscape.
On the CM Punk Saga
Following CM Punk’s own interview with Helwani, Khan had released backstage footage of the incident that led to Punk’s termination. He expressed no regrets about airing the footage on “AEW Dynamite.”
“I didn’t necessarily agree with everything that was said in that interview about how things happened,” Khan stated. “It’s a TV show and it did a very strong number. I think the tape spoke for itself.”
Khan confirmed his desire to reconcile with Punk was genuine but ultimately not possible. He also responded to Punk’s criticism of his management style, saying, “I don’t agree with [him saying I get walked all over as a boss], but everybody is entitled to their opinion.” He concluded that the situation has improved the atmosphere within the company, noting, “In AEW, everybody is really happy and it feels like this is the best the locker room has been since the Jacksonville lockdown days.”
On Competition with WWE
Khan addressed accusations that WWE intentionally counter-programs AEW’s major events, such as when its “Wrestlepalooza” special went head-to-head with “AEW All In: Texas.”
“I do think it’s done on purpose and I understand it. It’s part of wrestling,” Khan said, adding that he doesn’t take it personally. “Looking back at wrestling history, I kind of expect that. For us, it’s always worked out and we’re in a great position.”
He also agreed with Matt Hardy’s assessment that WWE’s recent partnership with TNA was a strategic move against AEW. “I remember when WCW was starting to do better… Vince McMahon called up Jim Cornette and sent a bunch of the WWF wrestlers to Smoky Mountain to help compete with WCW,” Khan recalled. “When you have a strong challenger brand, it’s not that unusual.”
Updates on Key Talent
Khan provided clarity on the status of several top AEW stars.
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Adam Copeland: Amid speculation that Copeland, formerly Edge in WWE, might make a one-off return for John Cena’s retirement, Khan shut down the possibility. “No, WWE never asked to use him,” he confirmed. “Adam is going to be with us through the year. He’s away filming, but he’s with us and he’s going to stay with us.”
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Adam Cole: Cole has been off television since his emotional announcement at “All In: Texas” that he was stepping away due to injury. “It would have to be the right situation for Adam to wrestle again,” Khan said. “But I’ve been open with him that when he’s ready, there’s always a role in AEW for him.”
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Will Ospreay: The star is recovering from a serious neck injury that required surgery. “I talk to him regularly, he’s doing better,” Khan reported. “Will Ospreay is going to be back in AEW, hopefully, earlier next year.”
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Britt Baker: Despite being medically cleared, the former Women’s World Champion has been absent for over a year. “I’m just looking for the right time with Britt,” Khan explained. “I would love to have Britt back… and I expect she will.”
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Chris Jericho: With the inaugural AEW champion’s contract reportedly nearing its end, Khan expressed his appreciation for the veteran. “I love Chris personally and professionally… I hope we’ll get Chris back in. The door’s always open.”
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Andrade El Idolo: Addressing reports that WWE sent a cease-and-desist after Andrade appeared in AEW while allegedly under a non-compete clause, Khan said, “I think the world of Andrade… Anytime he’s free and whenever that is, he is absolutely always welcome in AEW. It is an interesting situation that I’m going to keep an eye on.”
On Eric Bischoff, Miro, and Potential Signings
Khan responded to consistent criticism from former WCW executive Eric Bischoff, acknowledging Bischoff’s unique perspective. “I think it’s ironic coming from Eric, because Eric sat in this position,” Khan said. “He knows that you can’t go backward, you can only go forward, and you can only learn from the things you’ve done.”
Regarding Miro (formerly Rusev), who returned to WWE after a stop-start run in AEW, Khan was diplomatic. “He and I just had, at times, different visions of things. But that’s OK… That must make sense for him and that’s why he wanted to do it.”
When asked about interest in free agent Killer Kross (Karrion Kross), Khan was open-minded. “I have not spoken to him in many, many years… I like Killer Kross. It would be interesting at some point to talk to him again. He’s very talented.”
AEW’s Pay-Per-View Strategy
Finally, Khan affirmed that AEW has no plans to abandon its traditional pay-per-view model, which has been phased out by WWE and UFC. He stressed the importance of maintaining a consistent and affordable price point for fans.
“The pay-per-view price for AEW has been consistent from day one. It’s the same price it’s always been… $49.99,” Khan stated. “Our media partnership that really drives the engine that is AEW, is AEW and Warner Brothers Discovery.”
