Published: Apr 10, 2026 by Dave Adamson | Last Updated: Apr 10, 2026 by Dave Adamson
Dave has been a website writer for WrestleTalk since October 2022, having previously written for Den of Geek, among a number of wrestling, movie and television-related sites. Dave has been around the independent wrestling scene for more than a decade, including behind-the-scenes.
AEW
Having co-founded AEW in 2019, Tony Khan has opened up about his growth as the owner and his previous moments of realization.
Since its inception, AEW has gone from strength to strength, with Tony Khan leading the way and not being static in his approach.
AEW isn’t the only element that has seen growth, either, with Tony Khan sharing an insight into his own development.
Speaking on Ringer Wrestling, Khan revealed two major moments of reflection, five years apart, saying:
“An important thing that happened… It was about five years apart, at the start of 2020, and then at the start of 2025, almost exactly five years apart, Christmas 2019 and Christmas 2024, that week leading into January 1, 2020 and January 1, 2025.
“I had very similar reflections, almost exactly five years apart, like ‘You can listen to a lot of people, but you’re responsible for this, and you have to do the ideas you believe in. Even if you take someone else’s idea, it’s not their fault, it’s my fault.’
“I made a lot of changes at the start of 2020, and I made a lot of changes at the start of 2025, and both times they were really good changes.
“Like you said, I think at the beginning of AEW it was good to have that outlaw, rebellious spirit, but now we’re more established, and this is coming from more of a veteran place.”
If you use this transcription or any portion of it, please credit WrestleTalk.com and link to this page.
With Chris Jericho back in the AEW fold, Khan would also share his thoughts on bringing back the former World Champion.
AEW Is “Where The Best Wrestle”
More than just a slogan that is used on a frequent basis, AEW has become the home of some of the best talent in the world, some of whom have had interest from WWE.
While it continues to have stars that have been part of AEW since the first Double or Nothing, the roster has seen growth, with Khan bringing in prominent names from the independent scene and through his partnerships with CMLL and NJPW.
AEW stars may occasionally take digs at WWE, but Khan has seemingly been backing away from that over recent months, further reinforcing his “more of a veteran place feel.”
Khan clearly has his eye out for the next star to bring into AEW, and has said as much in previous comments, saying he is “constantly evaluating the market”.
If you use this transcription or any portion of it, please credit WrestleTalk.com and link to this page.
To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link!
Trending
- WWE Star Ludwig Kaiser (El Grande Americano) Arrested
- Mick Foley Confirmed For AEW Double Or Nothing 2026, Will Host Buy In Alongside Renee Paquette
- Jack Cartwheel Now Signed Full-Time To WWE AAA, No Longer On ID Deal
- Willow Nightingale Vacates AEW TBS Championship Due To Injury, Also Withdraws From Owen Hart Foundation Tournament
- WWE Announces Signings Of Mason Rook, Nikki Martinez (Nikki Blackheart), Lacey Simon (Marie Malenko) & Marcus Brown
- New Details On Arrest Of WWE Star Ludwig Kaiser (El Grande Americano), Pleads Not Guilty
- Charlotte Flair Would Change ‘Everything’ About WWE Becky Lynch Feud: ‘When I Watch It Back I’m Like ‘What Was I Thinking”
- WWE Mistakenly Advertises Championship Match, Becky Lynch Confirms Women’s Intercontinental Title Not On The Line Against Sol Ruca At Saturday Night’s Main Event
- Tiffany Stratton Reveals Scrapped WWE Ring Names, Veronica Swanson & Darby Doll
- Tommy Dreamer Says Brock Lesnar WWE Return Threw Him For A Loop: ‘Such A Cool Moment’
mailing list