AEW has been expanding its reach internationally, with recent events held in Australia and Mexico, while WWE faces ongoing debate over its relationship with Saudi Arabia. Tony Khan AEW Saudi Arabia talks are gaining new attention as Khan hints the company could soon consider shows in the Kingdom, despite past criticisms of WWE’s partnership there.
AEW has traditionally focused on growing its global footprint cautiously. WWE’s lucrative but controversial Saudi Arabia deals have drawn criticism from Khan, who has vocalized his opposition to what he views as problematic elements of that arrangement. However, recent statements suggest AEW leadership might be reevaluating their stance toward the Middle Eastern market.
Background: Tony Khan’s Previous Reservations About Saudi Arabia Partnership
Khan’s criticism of WWE’s Saudi Arabia dealings has been consistent. In October 2022, he openly disapproved of WWE’s Crown Jewel event held in Saudi Arabia. His concerns also extended to clarifying misunderstandings around his family’s business ties to the Kingdom. Khan’s father, Shahid Khan, purchased the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto from a Saudi-owned company years ago, a transaction Tony Khan emphasized is completely different from WWE’s ongoing Saudi relationship.
“I’ve been wanting to say something for a long time. I’m just going to say it… I’ve never brought this up, but I see people say stuff online, and me bringing this up will probably make it worse, but I’m gonna say it anyway. My dad bought Four Seasons from a Saudi person [Kingdom Holdings] five years ago, and that is the beginning, and the end of it. It is very much an apples & oranges thing, when you compare [WWE and Saudi Arabia’s] ongoing business relationship to what my dad did, which was purchasing a property from an individual, not the government, but I see people say stuff like, ‘Oh, Shahid Khan does business with Saudi Arabia.’ That’s bulls**t. I’ve seen people bring this up online for years, and they are wrong. My dad is not involved in ongoing businesses, he just bought the hotel years ago. It’s very different to what’s going on with that part of the world [with WWE],” Tony Khan said.
These clarifications, along with other statements criticizing the Saudis and WWE, have led many to believe AEW would avoid engagement with Saudi Arabia altogether. However, Khan’s more recent comments suggest that this may no longer be the case.
New Developments Suggest AEW Open to Shows in Saudi Arabia
During a recent interview with WFAA-TV in Texas, Tony Khan was asked about AEW’s willingness to pursue opportunities similar to WWE’s state-sponsored events in Saudi Arabia. Khan responded cautiously, noting that any such arrangement would depend heavily on the details and whether it was beneficial for AEW and the territory involved.
“Well, it depends on the situation. I think it’s all about the details, so it would have to be a deal that made sense for that territory, and especially for us here at AEW,” Tony Khan said.
This marks a notable shift from Khan’s earlier hardline stance, indicating AEW may be exploring opportunities in new international markets, including the Kingdom. The company’s recent show debuts in Mexico and Australia, combined with co-promoted events in Japan, demonstrate AEW’s willingness to work with diverse partners worldwide.
AEW’s Recent International Expansion and Future Prospects
AEW’s continued global growth includes a string of recent events beyond the United States. The company entered the Australian market with a Grand Slam Dynamite special, followed shortly by their debut in Mexico with another high-profile Grand Slam show. January saw AEW participate in Wrestle Dynasty in Japan, a collaborative event with major promotions including NJPW, CMLL, ROH, RevPro, and Stardom.
AEW has also maintained a presence in Canada since October 2022, further underscoring the company’s expanding footprint. These moves reflect Tony Khan and AEW’s broader strategy to become a truly international wrestling organization with diverse market exposure.
Implications and What to Expect Next in AEW’s Middle East Strategy
Khan’s recent openness to deals in Saudi Arabia signals a potential shift in AEW’s international approach, possibly challenging WWE’s dominance in the Kingdom’s wrestling scene. While AEW remains cautious about the complexities inherent in partnerships with governments like Saudi Arabia’s, this new flexibility could lead to events in the region that diversify AEW’s global presence and revenue streams.
As AEW continues to grow internationally, monitoring how this dialogue with Saudi Arabia unfolds will be critical. Future announcements from Tony Khan and AEW are likely to clarify whether the promotion will soon embark on shows in the Kingdom, marking a significant move in the professional wrestling industry’s ongoing global competition and diplomacy.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Tony Khan a billionaire?
A. According to Forbes, Shahid Khan, Tony Khan’s father, has a net worth of over $12 billion. While Tony Khan’s exact net worth isn’t publicly shared, reports suggest he is worth around $1.5 billion due to owning AEW.
