In 2019, Tony Khan launched All Elite Wrestling (AEW) alongside his executive vice president and others, stepping into the role of a wrestling booker despite lacking prior professional experience. Remarkably, AEW quickly became a major name in wrestling, comparable to WWE. Although Khan’s booking decisions have faced criticism from fans and wrestling veterans, he feels he has grown significantly over his six years in the industry. Speaking on “The Ariel Helwani Show,” Khan shared that he has been very hands-on with every episode this year, similar to how he was during AEW’s early pandemic shows at Daily’s Place. He decided to step back and avoid making choices he knew would not work, likening the process to sticking to a diet—occasionally imperfect, but guided by better judgment. Despite this, Khan remains open to ideas and consistently applauds the team working alongside him, emphasizing that he is the one person responsible for every AEW show and attends all events throughout the year.
Khan also highlighted the support he receives from behind-the-scenes figures like wrestling legend Bryan Danielson and other talented staff members. He explained that his unique position as AEW president, who appears on TV regularly and attends every show, gives him insights others might not have. Khan compared the backstage dynamic to the partnership of Ray and Winston in Ghostbusters—though an unlikely duo, they effectively collaborate. He noted that within any group, subgroups form, and what appears on the surface doesn’t always tell the full story. Khan believes 2025 feels especially promising, crediting AEW’s success to listening to fans and delivering quality shows.
Fan Take: Tony Khan’s continued growth and hands-on approach as a booker is vital for AEW’s future, as it shows a willingness to learn and adapt for the betterment of the product. For fans, this dedication suggests more thoughtful storytelling and exciting wrestling ahead, which could help AEW further solidify its place in the industry and push the sport forward.
