On Sunday night in London, AEW star Bandido achieved a milestone by winning the AEW World Tag Team Championship at the Forbidden Door event. Partnered with Brody King in the popular tag team Brodido, Bandido helped the duo overcome opponents Hurt Syndicate and FTR to claim the titles. This victory marked Bandido’s first championship win in AEW, adding to his accolades as the current ROH World Champion and former ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Champion.
After the match, Bandido joined company president Tony Khan at a post-show media session, where Khan presented him with a special gift that left the wrestler visibly moved.
A Special Fulham Jersey Gifted by Tony Khan
Tony Khan gave Bandido a signed Fulham jersey from Raúl Jiménez, a celebrated Mexican player who represents the London-based club. The jersey was from Fulham’s match against Manchester United, which coincidentally took place the same evening as Forbidden Door. Bandido became emotional upon receiving the gift, showing tears during the media scrum.
Raúl Jiménez holds the record for the most goals scored by an active player for the Mexican national football team. He is just ten goals away from tying the all-time mark set by Javier Hernández. Since joining Fulham in 2023, Jiménez has become a vital presence for the Cottagers and one of their top performers.
Tony Khan’s Deep Connection to London and Fulham Football Club
Before his involvement in professional wrestling, Tony Khan was deeply engaged in sports management. His father, Shahid Khan, acquired Fulham Football Club in July 2013, and Tony became the club’s vice-president and director of football operations in 2017. His ties to London explain why all AEW pay-per-view events held in England have taken place in the capital.
By gifting Bandido a jersey linked to Fulham’s Mexican star Raúl Jiménez—one of the club’s most significant signings under his leadership—Khan highlighted the personal and professional bond between AEW, Fulham, and the city of London. Jiménez’s achievements as the highest-scoring Mexican player in Premier League history last season further underscore the jersey’s emotional significance.
Significance of the Gesture and What May Follow
The presentation of the signed Fulham jersey to Bandido not only celebrated his breakthrough AEW title but also strengthened the connection between wrestling and football communities, linked through Khan’s dual roles. This moment highlighted AEW’s expanding presence in London and its alignment with the city’s sporting culture. Going forward, Khan’s ongoing engagement with both Fulham and AEW in London is likely to foster more memorable intersections between the two worlds.
