Tony Khan, owner of AEW and ROH, recently revealed some of his favorite wrestlers outside of AEW during an interview, steering clear of naming <a href="https://cynicaltimes.org/category/wrestling-news/wwe/”>WWE talents. Khan made these revelations while discussing his appreciation for performers beyond his own promotion, highlighting a diverse group of talents from other wrestling organizations. The conversation took place on the podcast My Mom’s Basement with host Robbie Fox.
Khan continues to emphasize that AEW is the premier destination for wrestling, proud of the promotion’s roster headlined by stars such as AEW World Champion Hangman Adam Page, Jon Moxley, Kenny Omega, Will Ospreay, Swerve Strickland, The Young Bucks, and Adam Copeland. Despite his strong belief in AEW’s supremacy, Khan offered notable praise for wrestlers he admires outside the company.
Tony Khan’s List of Favorite Wrestlers Includes International Stars
When asked to name his favorite wrestlers from outside AEW, Tony Khan mentioned several standout performers, notably excluding WWE names. He specifically praised Zack Sabre Jr., Starlight Kid, AZM, and Mistico. Khan expressed a long-standing admiration for Mistico, revealing he has followed the Mexican lucha libre star since college and was an avid follower of CMLL in the early 2000s. This connection runs deep, as Mistico has even appeared on AEW television thanks to the partnership with CMLL.
“Zack Sabre Jr would be very high on the list. Starlight Kid, very good. AZM, very good. The lightbulb came on, Mistico. Mistico is one of my all-time favorite wrestlers. He’s been on Dynamite since I was in college, I was booking him (in my notebook). I got really into CMLL in the early 2000s.” —Tony Khan, AEW Owner
Zack Sabre Jr. is set to defend New Japan Pro Wrestling’s IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at the upcoming AEW-NJPW joint event Forbidden Door on August 24. His opponent will be decided after a four-way match featuring Lee Moriarty, Hechicero, Daniel Garcia, and Nigel McGuinness on AEW Collision airing August 16. Meanwhile, Mistico has appeared on AEW programming but has not yet been confirmed for a match at Forbidden Door.
WWE Challenges AEW by Scheduling a Pay-Per-View on the Same Day
In a notable scheduling development, WWE plans to hold a Premium Live Event (PLE) on Saturday, September 20, 2024, in Indianapolis. This date coincides exactly with AEW’s All Out pay-per-view, which will take place in Toronto. The All Out event was announced months earlier, highlighting a direct rivalry between the two companies.
WWE has previously scheduled its NXT brand’s premium live events against AEW’s pay-per-views, but this will mark the first time the main WWE roster’s event overlaps with a major AEW show. This clash offers wrestling fans a challenging choice between two major wrestling events airing simultaneously, underscoring the ongoing competition within the wrestling industry for viewership and market share.
Other Recent Headlines in Wrestling
Beyond Tony Khan’s insights, several other major stories are developing in pro wrestling. Matches eagerly anticipated include the potential Cody Rhodes versus Roman Reigns III, following their split 1-1 record at WrestleMania. Meanwhile, Jade Cargill’s long-standing AEW record has been broken since her departure two years ago, highlighting the shifting landscape of AEW’s roster.
Veteran wrestler John Cena recently named all of his WWE wrestling soulmates, adding to the list of WWE legends sharing personal takes on the industry. Former champions have encouraged fans to take a stand following Karrion Kross and Scarlett’s surprising exit from WWE, an event that has sparked debate about the promotion’s direction and talent management. Several experts argue that Kross’s release could open new opportunities for the former WWE star.
Additionally, a prominent AEW talent has confirmed they will miss the Forbidden Door event, causing disappointment among fans. Brock Lesnar’s return to WWE at SummerSlam has also been scrutinized, with discussions surrounding its timing and impact on ongoing storylines.
The Significance of Tony Khan’s Choices and Upcoming Wrestling Events
Tony Khan naming top wrestlers outside of AEW while purposely omitting WWE stars reflects the competitive dynamics between wrestling promotions and Khan’s desire to highlight alternative global talents. His appreciation for international wrestlers like Zack Sabre Jr. and Mistico further emphasizes AEW’s growing relationships worldwide, especially with companies like NJPW and CMLL.
The scheduling conflict between WWE’s PLE and AEW’s All Out on September 20th represents a rare head-to-head competition that could influence future booking strategies and fan engagement. As wrestling fans decide where to focus their attention, the event will test the drawing power of both promotions. Meanwhile, ongoing narratives involving top stars and recent departures continue to shape the wrestling world’s evolving landscape.
With the AEW-NJPW Forbidden Door approaching and fresh storylines emerging across promotions, fans have much to look forward to in the coming months. Tony Khan’s comments underscore the passion and global perspective that fuel AEW’s ambitions amid a fiercely competitive wrestling industry.
