AEW President Tony Khan directly addressed and denied a circulating WWE SmackDown star rumor this week, after speculation about his role in blocking a high-profile wrestling match drew attention online. The focus keyword, WWE Smackdown star rumor, broke out amid ongoing industry rivalry, prompting Khan’s public response to clarify the situation during a radio interview.
Speculation Surrounds Wrestle Kingdom 20 Main Event
The world of professional wrestling is no stranger to rumors and misinformation, and recent talk involved several big names. With John Cena’s retirement, attention shifted to another wrestling legend, Hiroshi Tanahashi of New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). Tanahashi, now NJPW President, is preparing for his final match at Wrestle Kingdom 20 in Tokyo Dome, where he will face All Elite Wrestling’s Kazuchika Okada.
Earlier speculation suggested WWE’s Shinsuke Nakamura was interested in stepping into Okada’s spot for this anticipated retirement clash. Given the fierce competition between WWE and AEW, such a cross-promotional bout was always unlikely. Still, reports began circulating online, claiming Tony Khan had actively blocked Nakamura’s involvement in the match, intensifying the WWE Smackdown star rumor.
Tony Khan Sets the Record Straight
In a recent appearance on Q101 with host Case Lowe, Tony Khan was questioned about the origins and credibility of the rumor that he intervened to prevent Shinsuke Nakamura from participating in Hiroshi Tanahashi’s final match. Khan made clear that he had seen the story online but was taken aback by its level of detail and its claims about his alleged intentions and personal views.
That is actually something I read about, and I was surprised to read that. I’m not sure where that all came from. I don’t really understand some of that story, and it was a very detailed story with a lot of, if I may, what’s the word I’m looking for?It seemed like they thought they could read minds when they wrote that story because it was like, not only did they say, ‘Well, this happened, and this happened,’ but they were like, ‘He felt this way about it, and he felt this way, and then he was thinking.’And it’s like, Are you telepathic? A lot of that never happened, and a lot of it was like How would you know what that guy was thinking. So, I thought that was an interesting story. I’ll put it that way.” — Tony Khan, AEW President
Khan explained that it was difficult to understand where the narrative came from, especially since the rumors not only included invented events but also speculated on his personal emotions and inner thoughts. He questioned how such details could be fabricated and passed off as fact, emphasizing that the events described “never happened.”
This denial from Tony Khan puts to rest online chatter connecting him to any decision to keep the WWE Smackdown star, Shinsuke Nakamura, from facing Tanahashi at the upcoming Wrestle Kingdom event.
Anticipation Builds for Tanahashi’s Last Match Against Okada
While dismissing the rumor, Tony Khan expressed enthusiasm for the actual Wrestle Kingdom 20 main event. Hiroshi Tanahashi, whose in-ring career shaped both NJPW and wrestling globally, will face his long-time rival Kazuchika Okada. Okada, now competing for All Elite Wrestling, is an iconic figure in his own right, having shared many memorable encounters with Tanahashi throughout their careers.
But I’ve talked to him [Hiroshi Tanahashi] extensively about his retirement, worked with him, and the idea of having Kazuchika Okada as his final opponent is such an iconic thing. Their rivalry is so important to New Japan Pro-Wrestling and to both men’s careers, and to what has gone on to be a very successful promotion with AEW. I think it’s perfect, and I’m very happy for Okada to be involved at Wrestle Kingdom as the final opponent of Tanahashi for what would be Tanahashi’s retirement, and it’s something we’re so excited about,” Tony Khan said.
Khan recalled working closely with Tanahashi before, noting the special significance of matching him with Okada for his retirement bout. Their rivalry, Khan noted, has heavily influenced the trajectory of NJPW and contributed to the founding and success of AEW. This final chapter at Wrestle Kingdom is anticipated to be a fitting tribute to Tanahashi’s impact, with fans and industry professionals alike focused on the matchup.
Continuing Tensions Between Promotions
As NJPW prepares for one of its most historic Wrestle Kingdom events, underlying tensions between major wrestling organizations remain a source of speculation and debate. Some NJPW stars have publicly questioned the ongoing relationship with AEW, even suggesting a break of ties. Nevertheless, for Tanahashi’s retirement, the spotlight is set on the decades-long rivalry with Okada, rather than on unfounded WWE Smackdown star rumor or unfounded corporate drama.
The broader significance of this episode lies in the challenges facing top wrestling promoters in an era when any rumor can quickly grow into a major storyline outside the ring. Tony Khan’s firm rejection of the WWE Smackdown star rumor reiterates the need for direct communication and transparency in the pro wrestling community, especially when careers and legacies are on the line. As fans count down to Wrestle Kingdom 20, all eyes remain on the ring and the celebrated athletes who define the sport.
