Tony Khan, the president and founder of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), opened up about his greatest regret while leading the company since its launch in January 2019. Despite AEW’s rapid rise as the second-largest wrestling promotion globally, Khan disclosed that not featuring Jay Briscoe in an AEW wrestling match remains his most significant disappointment. This moment was especially poignant given that Jay Briscoe, part of the legendary Briscoe Brothers tag team, never competed on AEW’s flagship show, Dynamite, before his tragic passing in January 2023. Tony Khan AEW biggest regret centers on this missed opportunity to showcase a celebrated wrestler on a major platform.
AEW’s Foundation and Early Growth
When Tony Khan launched AEW with financial backing from his father, billionaire Shahid Khan, he was relatively unknown in the wrestling world. His vision brought together major free agents such as Cody Rhodes, The Young Bucks, and Kenny Omega, forming a strong roster at a pivotal moment when many established <a href="https://cynicaltimes.org/category/wrestling-news/wwe/”>WWE stars, including Chris Jericho and commentator Jim Ross, signed with AEW. Although Tony Khan lacked prior experience running a wrestling promotion, he surrounded himself with industry veterans and learned through hands-on management over the years.
AEW quickly secured a national television deal with TNT and TBS, lending the company credibility and exposure. While it has faced criticism, AEW maintains a dedicated fanbase and continues expanding its presence with live shows worldwide, bolstered by significant investment and quality talent.
Challenges Surrounding the Briscoe Brothers’ AEW Presence
The Briscoe Brothers, Mark and Jay, are widely regarded as one of the greatest tag teams in wrestling history and legends in Ring of Honor (ROH) lore. Tony Khan’s acquisition of ROH in March 2022 brought the Briscoes closer to AEW’s orbit, where they entered into a famed rivalry with FTR over ROH Tag Team Championships. Despite their popularity and frequent appearances at AEW events, Jay Briscoe was never featured on AEW television due to past homophobic remarks he made on social media, even though he apologized several times.
Following Jay Briscoe’s untimely death in a car accident in January 2023, Mark Briscoe has become a regular performer in AEW. However, the lost chance for Jay’s television debut remains a significant point of regret for Tony Khan.
Tony Khan Reflects on His Efforts to Include Jay Briscoe
On the Barstool Sports podcast “My Mom’s Basement,” Tony Khan candidly voiced his frustration over the situation involving Jay Briscoe. He described multiple occasions when the Briscoe Brothers were present at Dynamite but did not wrestle, emphasizing how he personally advocated to get Jay on AEW television.
“I fought really hard to get Jay Briscoe on the show. There were multiple times where Mark and Jay Briscoe came to Dynamite and didn’t do anything. And they just came and I brought them, and I was trying to — I kept pulling moves. It was a different time. It was a different management, it wasn’t Mr. [David] Zaslav. I could have now literally gone to him. I fought really, really hard to get Jay Briscoe on the show, but I really wish I’d been able to have Jay Briscoe on Dynamite just one time. And he came to the show many times. That’s my biggest regret by far.”
Khan’s words underline the complexity of managing a wrestling promotion amid shifting leadership and corporate oversight. His admission reveals the struggle between personal determination and organizational constraints that prevented Jay Briscoe’s AEW in-ring debut.
AEW’s Position Amid Wrestling Industry Developments
As AEW continues to grow, it remains under the scrutiny of fans, critics, and industry insiders. The company competes head-to-head with WWE, which maintains its dominance but has also seen significant moments such as Cody Rhodes and John Cena’s 5-star WWE SummerSlam match. Meanwhile, Brock Lesnar’s full contract and absence from WWE until recently, along with John Cena’s ongoing storyline and Roman Reigns’ candid interviews about WWE leadership, illustrate a turbulent and evolving wrestling landscape.
AEW is expected to press on, refining its approach to talent management and storytelling while capitalizing on its expanding audience and global reach. Tony Khan has also announced that Jim Ross will return soon to AEW commentary, further signaling growth.
Looking Ahead: AEW and Its Legacy
Tony Khan’s reflection on missing Jay Briscoe’s debut highlights the challenges and emotional complexities behind running a major wrestling company. This regret serves as a reminder of AEW’s deeper responsibilities in honoring wrestling legends and handling the legacies they carry. As AEW moves forward, how the promotion addresses unresolved issues from its past and nurtures its diverse talent roster will shape its future impact in the wrestling world.
Ultimately, Tony Khan AEW biggest regret about Jay Briscoe’s absence will remain a poignant chapter in the company’s history, influencing decisions on inclusion, talent relations, and brand identity going forward.
