Tony Kahn recently shared his favorite wrestler who is not currently signed with AEW or ROH, highlighting talent from WWE, NJPW, CMLL, and Stardom. During an appearance on the My My My Underground Podcast, the AEW president praised several wrestlers working with AEW partners, naming Zack Sabre Jr., Starlight Kid, AZM, and Mistico as some of his top choices.
Khan expressed a particular fondness for Mistico, noting a long-standing admiration that dates back to early AEW Dynamite concepts when it was just an online e-Fed. Mistico, known to WWE fans as Sin Cara from 2011-2014, remains a notable figure. Zack Sabre Jr., the current IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, is highly regarded by Khan not only for his presence on the list but also as one of the best technical wrestlers ever. Sabre Jr. previously competed in WWE’s 2016 Cruiserweight Classic and will face a four-way challenge at AEW Forbidden Door on August 24th against Nigel McGuinness, Hechicero, Lee Moriarty, and Daniel Garcia.
While Starlight Kid is a top star in Stardom and hasn’t debuted in AEW or ROH yet, AZM recently appeared on the May 14 episode of AEW Dynamite in a Women’s World Championship Eliminator match. This diverse group of wrestlers reflects AEW’s broad network and interest in integrating global wrestling talents.
Fan Take: This news is exciting for AEW fans because it shows Tony Kahn’s vision of blending global wrestling stars with AEW’s roster, which can lead to unique and thrilling matchups. Bringing in such highly skilled wrestlers enhances AEW’s reputation as a destination for the best in professional wrestling, boosting the sport’s prestige and fan engagement.