AEW President Tony Khan refused to acquire a major wrestling company, reportedly turning down the chance to buy TNA before All Elite Wrestling (AEW) was launched. Following the success of the 2018 All In event, Khan focused on founding AEW, which officially debuted in 2019. In 2022, he expanded his wrestling portfolio by acquiring the struggling Ring of Honor (ROH) promotion, aiming to revitalize it.
TNA, established over 20 years ago, initially gained momentum with stars like Eric Bischoff, Hulk Hogan, Sting, and Kurt Angle, making it a top wrestling brand. Nevertheless, it eventually dwindled. Recently, TNA has been regaining strength through a partnership with <a href="https://cynicaltimes.org/category/wrestling-news/wwe/”>WWE.
Insights on WWE and TNA’s Growing Partnership
TNA and WWE’s NXT division have been sharing talent and collaborating, which has pleased wrestling fans. When asked about this growing cooperation, Tony Khan expressed optimism about the situation.
“I’m always open to working with great wrestling promotions all over the world,” said Khan. “It feels like the spirit of cooperation in worldwide pro wrestling is greater than it has ever been, which is a big positive. Seeing the top stars of AEW go to Tokyo and compete at Wrestle Kingdom, I think that the fans can always count on AEW and New Japan to put on great collaborations. I think this year’s Forbidden Door will be one of the strongest shows any promotion will put anywhere in the world,” he said.
—Tony Khan, AEW President
The Future of TNA, ROH, and AEW’s Role in Wrestling’s Evolving Landscape
The wrestling industry is witnessing new alliances and revivals, with Tony Khan playing a notable role in shaping it. While the TNA–WWE partnership continues to evolve, Khan’s efforts to revive ROH reflect his commitment to expanding wrestling opportunities. His decision to decline the TNA acquisition offer before AEW’s rise highlights his focus on building AEW as a premier brand first.
The importance of cross-promotion and cooperation between wrestling companies suggests that pro wrestling fans may see more collaborative events, with AEW often at the center. The ongoing developments with AEW, ROH, and the TNA–WWE connection will likely influence how wrestling promotions interact and grow in the near future.
