AEW President Tony Khan reportedly became emotional after witnessing a surprising match featuring Stokely Hathaway and Adam Copeland, creating buzz among fans and insiders in early 2024. This incident marks one of the rare occasions where Khan’s reaction to a live wrestling event drew notable attention, highlighting the intense emotion surrounding this particular bout.
With the focus on Tony Khan crying AEW match, this moment is setting itself apart from the many high-profile contests Khan has overseen that involved top talents like Kenny Omega, Bryan Danielson, Will Ospreay, CM Punk, MJF, and others. Despite the immense roster and history of exceptional matches, Khan’s visible tears after Hathaway’s performance reflect the match’s unique intensity and unpredictable nature.
Stokely Hathaway’s Unforeseen Showdown Against Adam Copeland
The match that reportedly moved Tony Khan took place when Stokely Hathaway faced off unexpectedly with Adam Copeland in AEW. Hathaway, who had often been the subject of criticism and doubt, stepped into the ring to deliver a gritty and memorable performance that surprised many viewers and insiders alike.
Hathaway shared his perspective on the match during a conversation with TMZ Sports, where he described the effort he put in and the aftermath backstage. He emphasized that he
“took Adam Copeland to the limit”
and underscored the physical toll the contest took on Copeland, who required ambulance assistance after the match.
“I mean, if you go back and watch the match. I mean, anyone who saw it, they will attest to the fact that I took Adam Copeland to the limit, you know, everything I had, you know what I’m saying? I put it into that match and Adam Copeland, he was the one who needed to be escorted out of, uh, out of the building in ambulance, you know, to be honest with you.” – Stokely Hathaway
Contrary to expectations that Copeland would dominate, the contest turned into a fierce struggle that surprised everyone, including Khan himself. Hathaway reported that Khan was so moved by the performance that he was brought to tears backstage, praising what he called “a great contest.”
“But yeah, he thought they were going to get into that ring. He was going to manhandle me. That’s, that’s not what happened at all. It was, it was a great contest. When I got to the back, Tony Khan was crying. You know, he said he’s never seen a performance like that before.” – Stokely Hathaway
Backstage Reactions and Upcoming High-Stakes Encounters
Following the match, members of FTR, the tag team, embraced Hathaway, acknowledging his tenacity and the physical test he posed to Copeland. Hathaway contrasted his effort with what is expected at the upcoming AEW event, All Out, predicting a far more decisive fallout for Copeland’s opponents.
“FTR, you know, they gave me a gigantic hug because, again, I took Adam Copeland to his limit. But the difference between me and FTR is the fact that at All Out, they’re not going to take Adam Copeland to the limit. They’re going to end their careers for good.” – Stokely Hathaway
All Out will feature Adam Copeland teaming with Christian Cage in their hometown of Toronto against FTR, adding intense stakes to the match as one participant has promised retirement if they lose.
Why This Moment Resonates in AEW and Wrestling Circles
The moment Tony Khan allegedly shed tears over Hathaway’s unexpected showing sheds light on the emotional weight that wrestling performances can carry beyond the physicality. Even with years of experience producing some of the most acclaimed wrestling bouts worldwide, Khan’s reaction underscores the rarity of such a powerful, raw contest that defies predictions and expectations.
This incident raises questions about the future trajectory for Hathaway in AEW, the brutal matchups ahead at All Out, and the emotional toll the sport demands from all involved. Fans will be watching closely as the storylines unfold, particularly with high-profile figures like Adam Copeland and Christian Cage gearing up for pivotal contests.
