A former WWE star made a surprising debut during Tony Khan’s AEW Dynamite show, which celebrated the sixth anniversary of the program on October 4, 2023. This milestone event featured significant developments in Tony Khan AEW debut storylines and showcased new talent stepping into Khan’s wrestling promotions.
Surprise Return of Andrade El Idolo at AEW’s Sixth Anniversary
The anniversary episode of Dynamite marked an important occasion for Tony Khan and AEW, highlighting the company’s growth since its launch in 2019. One of the biggest shocks came when Andrade El Idolo, recently released from WWE, returned to AEW, attacking Kenny Omega immediately after reappearing. El Idolo’s alliance with The Don Callis Family added more tension, with this faction evolving into a larger and more complex unit akin to a Ryder Cup team.
Meanwhile, Hangman Adam Page issued a challenge to Samoa Joe for an AEW Men’s World Title match at the upcoming WrestleDream event, despite their partnership earlier in the show. The two, alongside Powerhouse Hobbs, secured a victory in a trios match against the Death Riders. However, tensions surfaced when Page presented Trios Title belts to Hobbs and Joe, triggering a fallout after Joe’s belt fell to the floor and led to a physical confrontation.
The women’s division also saw major action as former AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm challenged the current champion Kris Statlander for a title match at WrestleDream, with Statlander accepting the challenge, setting the stage for a highly anticipated bout.
Ex-WWE Star Sareee Debuts in Ring of Honor Under Tony Khan’s Promotion
Alongside AEW events, Tony Khan’s Ring of Honor (ROH) brand hosted taped matches preceding Dynamite, featuring the debut of former WWE and Japanese star Sareee, known previously as Sarray in WWE NXT. Sareee, the current IWGP Women’s Champion, made her first appearance in one of Khan’s companies by teaming with Alex Windsor to defeat Billie Starkz and Diamante in tag team competition.
Sareee had spent two years in WWE NXT before leaving the company and publicly attributing her lackluster WWE tenure to the organization itself. Her entry into ROH signifies a new chapter and further strengthens Tony Khan’s portfolio of talent across his wrestling promotions.
Additional Wrestling News Highlights
The wrestling world remains abuzz with various developments beyond Tony Khan AEW debut news. A WWE Hall of Famer recently delivered a startling allegation concerning Hulk Hogan, sparking discussions over its potential truth. Separately, The Rock revealed a concussion he sustained during filming for “The Smashing Machine,” shedding light on the physical risks wrestlers endure even off-stage.
Orange Cassidy shared insights about his working relationship with Tony Khan, offering fans a rare glimpse into backstage dynamics. In Los Angeles, WWE star Randy Orton narrowly avoided a surprise attack while attending an internet celebrity’s show premiere, adding to the tense atmosphere surrounding wrestling events outside the ring. Commentary from a WWE Hall of Famer also called for Randy Orton to return to his villainous “heel” persona, arguing it is necessary for his career’s next phase.
Jade Cargill, an AEW standout, continues to face criticism from WWE followers regarding her in-ring performances, demonstrating the ongoing rivalry and contrasts between the two promotions. Meanwhile, a young WWE tag team drew praise from a company veteran, likening their potential to the legendary Hardy Boyz, signaling the rise of new talent within WWE’s developmental ranks.
What This Means for Tony Khan and AEW Moving Forward
Tony Khan’s ability to attract former WWE stars like Andrade El Idolo and Sareee to AEW and ROH highlights his growing influence in professional wrestling. These debuts during landmark events not only boost AEW’s competitive position but also signal a broader strategy of integrating diverse talent from international and mainstream wrestling arenas.
The ongoing rivalries and building tensions among AEW’s top stars suggest an exciting buildup to WrestleDream, a crucial event for the company’s championship scenes. With key challengers stepping forward and title defenses lined up, Tony Khan’s promotions are positioned for a period of intense competition and evolving storylines that will demand close attention from wrestling fans worldwide.
