AEW President Tony Khan has shared his greatest regret since launching the company in 2019. In January 2023, wrestling legend Jay Briscoe tragically died in a car accident at the age of 38 in Laurel, Delaware. Although Jay had signed with AEW after Tony Khan acquired ROH in 2022, he never appeared on AEW programming. More than two years after Jay’s passing, Khan admitted that his biggest regret was not being able to showcase Jay on AEW Dynamite.
In an interview with Robbie Fox on Mom’s Basement, Khan revealed that he had made significant efforts to feature Jay Briscoe on AEW TV but was unable to do so due to management restrictions at Warner Bros. Discovery at the time. Khan expressed: “I fought really hard to bring Jay Briscoe on the show and to have him there. Mark and Jay Briscoe appeared at Dynamite multiple times but never competed. It was a different management era—not under Mr. Zaslav then—I could approach him now. I truly wish Jay had wrestled on Dynamite even once. That is my biggest regret.”
Shortly after Jay’s death, his brother Mark Briscoe debuted in-ring on AEW TV in a tribute match alongside their other brothers against Jay Resal. Since then, Mark has become a prominent part of the AEW roster and is currently involved in a storyline feud with former AEW World Champion MJF.
Fan Take: This revelation from Tony Khan highlights the complexities and challenges behind wrestling promotions and talent management. For AEW fans, it underscores the emotional impact behind the scenes and the potential for more meaningful storylines as the Briscoe legacy continues within AEW.
