Tony Khan, the CEO and president of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), has always been a die-hard fan of professional wrestling. In 2019, he founded AEW with the goal of taking on the wrestling behemoth WWE. AEW quickly established itself as a formidable competitor, hosting regular pay-per-view events and launching weekly TV shows later in the year. Over time, they expanded their TV output beyond the two-hour show “Dynamite” on Wednesdays, adding the hour-long “Rampage” on Fridays and two hours of “Collision” on Saturdays this summer. As a result, AEW now airs three weekly shows, totaling five hours, on Warner Bros. Discovery networks TBS and TNT in the U.S. This makes Tony Khan, who is also the head of creative at AEW, a prominent TV producer.
In 2022, Khan further solidified his status as a wrestling mogul and business maverick when he purchased wrestling promotion Ring of Honor (ROH) from Sinclair. This acquisition cemented his reputation as a shrewd businessman in the wrestling industry.
This weekend, Khan will have the opportunity to celebrate a momentous occasion at London’s renowned Wembley Stadium. AEW will hold its first international pay-per-view event, All In, and ticket sales have exceeded expectations. Khan confidently proclaims that the event will be “the biggest wrestling event in the history of Europe” based on ticket sales and box office receipts.
It’s not Khan’s first time bringing a crowd to Wembley. Alongside his father, Shahid Khan, the Pakistani-American billionaire owner of motor vehicle components supplier Flex-N-Gate, the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL franchise, and the English Premier League soccer club Fulham F.C., Tony Khan has experienced success with both teams at Wembley. As the chief football strategy officer for the Jaguars and vice-chairman and director of football operations for Fulham, Khan has witnessed the excitement of large turnouts at the stadium. Now, with AEW, he hopes to replicate that success and fill Wembley once again.
Related Post
Despite his busy schedule, Khan takes the time to discuss the upcoming Wembley show and to offer insights on the wrestling industry and his role within AEW. He responds to criticism regarding his management of disputes between outspoken wrestling personalities behind the scenes and explains why AEW needs to establish a unique identity separate from WWE.
Regarding the All In event at Wembley Stadium, Khan reveals that approximately 80,000 tickets have been distributed, generating around $10 million in sales. These numbers have shattered AEW’s previous business records, demonstrating the overwhelming popularity and demand for the event. Khan remains confident in his ability to deliver an exceptional show that will satisfy both fans and wrestling writers.
Khan acknowledges that he is possibly the only person to have brought three different franchises to Wembley and almost sell out the stadium on each occasion. He emphasizes the significance of this achievement, considering the Jaguars, Fulham, and AEW as distinct sports properties. With consistent turnouts of over 80,000 for the Jaguars and Fulham, Khan is confident that the All In event will be equally successful.
The timing of the event, starting at 6 p.m. London time, allows AEW to experiment by hosting a wrestling show during the NFL window. By beginning a few weeks before the NFL season kicks off, AEW hopes to capture the attention of sports fans, offering a unique entertainment option in the same time slot as Sunday NFL games.
Reflecting on the state of the wrestling business, Khan believes that it is currently at its strongest in years. He acknowledges the influence of wrestling fans worldwide, highlighting the abundance of weekly wrestling content available on television as evidence of the industry’s growth. Khan’s decision to enter the wrestling business was driven by his belief in its potential and the demand from passionate fans. As the leader of AEW, Khan is proud to be part of an industry that is experiencing a resurgence and providing opportunities for wrestlers, promoters, and fans alike.
While WWE remains AEW’s main competition, Khan follows other wrestling promotions closely to stay informed about industry trends and scout talent. As a lifelong wrestling fan, he enjoys keeping up with developments not only within AEW but also in other promotions. Drawing parallels to his involvement in sports, Khan points out that his interests extend beyond wrestling, and he closely follows the NFL, English Premier League, and various international leagues. While these sports may occasionally compete with AEW for viewership, Khan recognizes that the world of sports offers a wealth of exciting opportunities for fans.
Tony Khan’s journey in the wrestling industry has been marked by bold decisions, an astute business mindset, and a deep passion for the sport. With his landmark acquisition of Ring of Honor and the success of AEW’s upcoming event at Wembley Stadium, Khan’s status as a wrestling mogul and visionary leader continues to grow.
