Tony Khan has expressed his admiration for several former WWE champions, emphasizing that signing such stars aligns with his vision for AEW. Highlighting the company’s growth over six years, Khan pointed to major signings like Sting, Bryan Danielson, Adam Copeland, and Mercedes Mone, all of whom brought Hall of Fame credentials. When asked about the greatest wrestling star, Khan named Steve Austin, praising him as one of the best ever, especially if his prime years in the 1990s had been fully utilized. Khan recalled meeting Austin after the inaugural 2019 AEW Double or Nothing event and described him as a kind person and a legendary figure in wrestling history. Austin’s evolving personas—from The Ringmaster to Stone Cold Steve Austin—cemented his lasting impact, and Khan considers himself lucky to have interacted with him. Austin recently made a WWE appearance at WrestleMania, further underscoring his enduring influence in the sport.
Fan Take: This acknowledgment from Tony Khan spotlights the deep respect AEW’s leadership has for WWE legends, bridging the gap between the two wrestling worlds. For WWE fans, it reinforces the timeless legacy of icons like Steve Austin and hints at a future where wrestling greatness transcends company boundaries, enriching the sport as a whole.
