Tony Khan Calls Ariel Helwani A Fraud After SmackDown Appearance, Helwani Responds

WWE/AEW

AEW CEO and President Tony Khan took to Twitter to call Ariel Helwani a fraud after Helwani appeared on tonight’s WWE SmackDown.

Helwani, who is from Montreal, Canada, appeared on tonight’s February 17 show in his hometown – which also happens to be Sami Zayn’s hometown – ahead of Zayn challenging Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at Elimination Chamber tomorrow, also in Montreal.

Khan tweeted:

“You’re a fraud @arielhelwani. You’re as legitimate of a reporter as @tonyschiavone24.”

Months ago, Khan appeared on Helwani’s show for an interview, but avoided answering many of Helwani’s questions, which Helwani then spoke about the following day and said it was one of the most frustrating interviews he’s ever done.

Helwani is also said to be good friends with WWE CEO Nick Khan, and has been for many years, which some believe plays into the apparent tension between Helwani and Tony.

UPDATE: Helwani has now issued a response to Tony, tweeting:

“Thanks for watching, old friend! Can’t wait for our next chat.

“(Also, don’t listen to the snowman, Schiavone. You’re a legend in my books.)”

ANOTHER UPDATE: Tony has now replied to Helwani, tweeting:

“Good luck with the unbiased journalism.”

Some of Helwani’s more recent interviews outside of the MMA bubble have included KSI, PDC World Darts Champion Michael Smith, and WWE’s Cody Rhodes.

It was announced during tonight’s AEW Rampage that Tony Khan has an “important announcement” to make on Dynamite next Wednesday.

Montreal's own @arielhelwani is a man of the people 🇨🇦#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/XOeuYnR3kW

— WWE on TNT Sports (@wweontnt) February 18, 2023

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• Ariel Helwani
• Smackdown
• tony khan
• AEW

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