The longstanding rivalry between WWE and AEW has taken another dramatic turn, with WWE Hall of Famer Booker T coming down hard on AEW CEO Tony Khan’s recent comments about the Stamford-based promotion.
In a recent interview on the NBA Kick-Off show, Khan made headlines by labeling WWE an “Evil Juggernaut” and comparing it to disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein. He also took a subtle jab at WWE by stating that AEW is the “Pepsi” of professional wrestling, implying that AEW is the underdog trying to take down the giant.
Booker T, never one to mince words, took Khan to task on his Hall of Fame podcast, expressing his disappointment and frustration with the AEW CEO’s constant potshots at WWE. The WWE legend questioned why Khan felt the need to constantly disparage WWE, especially since the company had never taken a direct jab at AEW. “What’s the motivation behind it, Tony?” Booker T asked rhetorically. “Is it because you feel threatened? Is it because you feel like you’re not getting the recognition you deserve?”
This isn’t the first time Khan has taken aim at WWE, and it’s not the first time he’s faced criticism from wrestling veterans. Many in the industry have called out Khan for his constant negativity towards WWE, advising him to focus on building up his own product rather than tearing down others.
However, Khan’s comments have only fueled the ongoing feud between WWE and AEW, with fans and performers from both sides weighing in on social media.
As Khan currently recovers from a “kayfabe” injury, courtesy of The Elite and a brutal TK Driver on Dynamite, it remains to be seen how this ongoing drama will unfold. Will Khan take heed of Booker T’s words and tone down his rhetoric, or will the AEW CEO continue to push the envelope and risk further alienating himself from the wrestling community? One thing is certain: the rivalry between WWE and AEW shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
