AEW President Tony Khan recently compared Jon Moxley to Ric Flair, positioning the former WWE star as the modern equivalent of the wrestling legend within All Elite Wrestling. Khan made this statement during an appearance on 1035 KISS FM’s Hot Tag Wrestling Podcast, emphasizing Moxley’s role as a pivotal figure for AEW much like Flair was for the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA).
The comparison highlights Moxley’s ability to embody the qualities that made Flair a beloved icon, including his relentless work ethic, fan appeal, and capacity to fulfill both hero and villain roles in storylines. This connection sheds light on Moxley’s significance to AEW and the broader wrestling landscape.
Khan Explains Why Moxley Mirrors Flair’s Hard-Hitting Style and Champion Dedication
During the podcast, Tony Khan praised Jon Moxley as a versatile performer, capable of playing both the top hero beloved by fans and a despised antagonist, showcasing his wide-ranging appeal. Khan noted that Moxley’s dedication to in-ring work, including maintaining an intense schedule by wrestling 200 to 250 days per year while holding championships, closely mirrors Flair’s commitment during his prime years.
While recognizing their contrasting personas—Moxley as a gritty, blue-collar wrestler and Flair as a suave, white-collar character—Khan emphasized that both share a tough, hard-hitting mentality that defines their wrestling style. Khan said:
“He’s somebody who could be the top hero, the top fan favorite. He’s somebody who could be the top villain, as he’s proven. He bleeds buckets. They have very different mentalities in terms of they are very different. Jon Moxley is the ultimate blue-collar wrestler. Ric Flair is the ultimate white collar wrestler. But they have this hard-hitting mentality. Jon Moxley was actually the last 200- 250 day a year world champion in wrestling. It became much more of a television-focused business in the past decade. But, about you know, 10 years ago, nine years ago, Jon Moxley was the last person to do 200- 250 days a year as the world champion [fun fact], and that is very much the Ric Flair mentality.”
Khan’s remarks underline Moxley’s endurance and toughness in the modern wrestling environment, where scheduling has shifted towards fewer live appearances and more television-centered performances.
Moxley’s Championship Achievements Reflect Flair’s Legendary Status
Tony Khan also highlighted Jon Moxley’s decorated championship history, comparing it directly to Ric Flair’s renowned career. Moxley stands apart as the only wrestler to have held the AEW World Championship, WWE World Championship, and the IWGP World Championship in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, showcasing his success across multiple premier wrestling organizations.
Khan further noted Moxley’s unique accomplishment as a four-time AEW World Champion, underlining his sustained dominance in the company. Khan stated:
“Also, Jon Moxley is also the most decorated world champion. It’s a lot like Ric Flair because Jon Moxley is the only person ever to hold the AEW World Championship, the WWE World Championship, and the IWGP World Championship in New Japan. And Jon Moxley is the only four-time AEW World Champion.”
This comparison places Jon Moxley in the rarefied company of champions with legacies spanning multiple top-tier wrestling promotions, reinforcing his standing as AEW’s cornerstone talent.
Upcoming Match Announcement Adds to Moxley’s High Profile in AEW
In addition to praising Moxley’s legacy, Tony Khan recently revealed a significant new match involving the Lunatic Fringe on this week’s AEW Dynamite episode. This announcement is expected to further elevate Moxley’s visibility and impact within the promotion, continuing his role as a central figure in AEW’s storylines.
The ongoing focus on Moxley as both a champion and performer reflects AEW’s commitment to building on the foundation laid by stars who can carry the company forward with passion, hard work, and fan engagement.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Tony Khan a billionaire?
A. Shahid Khan, according to Forbes, has a net worth of over $12 billion. Tony Khan, though his exact net worth is not public, is said to be worth about $1.5 billion due to his ownership of AEW.
