Tony Khan, the president and proprietor of All Elite Wrestling, hasn’t shied away from the media spotlight following his recent critiques of WWE during the NFL Draft.
In a conversation with TMZ Sports, Khan fielded questions from Dean Muhtadi, once known as Mojo Rawley in WWE, regarding the fallout from his contentious remarks about WWE on the NFL Network.
“Well, I believe we garnered significant coverage for AEW. And I want to emphasize that I firmly believe AEW is the premier wrestling organization in numerous aspects,” Khan stated.
Just last week, Khan found himself on the receiving end of an assault by Jack Perry, The Young Bucks, and Kazuchika Okada on AEW Dynamite, resulting in him sporting a neck brace during the NFL Draft.
As the Chief Football Strategy Officer for his father’s Jacksonville Jaguars, Khan appeared on the NFL Network on the second day of the Draft.
However, rather than seizing the opportunity to promote AEW and its talent, Khan took a jab at WWE, remarking,
“We’re competing against a formidable opponent. WWE is our competition. That’s who we’re up against.
AEW is akin to the Pepsi of professional wrestling. WWE is akin to the Harvey Weinstein of professional wrestling… I’m genuinely proud of our endeavors here…”
Khan’s commentary was promptly interrupted by the NFL’s broadcast team, and the interview concluded shortly thereafter.
Nevertheless, his remarks drew considerable attention, with fans and analysts alike offering criticism. NFL analyst Mike Florio responded:
AEW can benefit from whatever attention Khan can generate, even if the approach is questionable. AEW’s viewership has seen a decline.
Khan is attempting to provide a boost; he also mentioned during his appearance on the NFL Network that further updates on his condition would be provided during the next AEW broadcast.
Naturally, that’s to be expected. It’s all part of the storyline. That’s the nature of professional wrestling. Khan is striving to bolster AEW’s position before it’s too late — even if it involves invoking a Harvey Weinstein analogy.
As for Khan’s physical well-being, AEW’s top executive remains optimistic despite the brutal attack by his fellow EVPs.
“I feel fortunate to be here and grateful that the Jaguars had a successful NFL Draft, as well as pleased with the positive developments unfolding in AEW at present,” Khan expressed.
