During a recent episode of the Keepin’ It 100 OFFICIAL podcast, well-known AAA booker Konnan compared the current pro wrestling landscape, highlighting a bold Tony Khan AEW WWE comparison. Konnan argued that despite AEW’s rise as a competitor, the wrestling promotion’s position may remain secondary to WWE, drawing parallels with the short-lived XFL’s standing against the NFL.
WWE has ruled the American wrestling scene for decades, but AEW has rapidly developed as a notable rival. Konnan, speaking in the context of wrestling’s shifting fortunes, pointed out that AEW’s bid to catch up to WWE mirrors an older sports attempt. In 2001, WWE and NBC collaborated to launch the XFL, a minor football league designed with elements reminiscent of wrestling-style entertainment that intentionally set it apart from the established NFL. Although the XFL was revived in 2018 by Vince McMahon and subsequently passed through several owners, it was ultimately dissolved in October of last year.
Konnan emphasized his point by drawing a direct analogy between Vince McMahon’s XFL and his challenge to the NFL, and Tony Khan’s current situation with AEW contending against WWE. According to Konnan, both efforts reflect an underdog role where the upstart struggles to shake the existing hierarchy. He pointed out that the programming and presentation of the two wrestling companies remain noticeably distinct, creating further obstacles to a possible power shift.
“And you see the difference in the product, right? So I just think that at the end of the day, you know, you’re the XFL to the NFL—and that’s the way it’s going to be. And it’s probably never going to change unless something drastic happens.”
[H/T- TJR Wrestling] – Konnan, AAA booker
The significance of Konnan’s remarks gains more weight considering his history within the industry. Apart from his current work with AAA, Konnan is now affiliated with the company that was acquired by WWE, under the leadership of Triple H, as of April last year. This connection provides an interesting perspective on his view of the Tony Khan AEW WWE comparison.
A Preview of Upcoming AEW Dynamite Matches in Tulsa
In the wake of a busy first week for AEW, which recently concluded its Saturday Night Collision special, the promotion now heads to Tulsa, Oklahoma, for Wednesday Night Dynamite. Only four matches have been officially confirmed so far, three of which are singles contests.
The ROH World Champion, Bandido, who also holds the 2025 Dynamite Diamond Ring, is set for a one-on-one showdown against former TNT Champion Sammy Guevara. Fans can also look forward to The Death Riders appearing at the event. Marina Shafir faces Timeless Toni Storm, while Jon Moxley will take on Shelton Benjamin in a Continental Championship Eliminator match.
Additionally, a unique tag team lights-out match will see the former rivals Hangman Page and Swerve Strickland reunite to challenge Powerhouse Hobbs and Hook. These matchups promise to add intensity to the ongoing AEW storylines and highlight the company’s efforts to stand out against its established rival.
Konnan’s analogy captures the ongoing struggle for market share and cultural relevance in professional wrestling. While AEW continues to innovate its presentation and roster, the gap in perception, as illustrated by the Tony Khan AEW WWE comparison, remains a significant hurdle. Unless a major shift occurs within the industry, the suggested dynamic of AEW as the ‘XFL’ to WWE’s ‘NFL’ may persist, fueling debate in wrestling circles for the foreseeable future.
