In a recent interview with IndieWire.com, AEW President Tony Khan shared his opinion on the war between AEW and WWE that began with the launch of his promotion in 2019.
Khan said, “There’s a number of big factors that would play into why wrestling has seen such a great renaissance in recent years. I think it comes from the great competition in wrestling right now, and the fact that there are so many great stars competing right now. Everyone knows that the most real thing in wrestling is the competition between the companies. The companies hate each other, and it will be a natural resource that powers the industry. They want to beat each other and take everybody’s free agents, and that makes it interesting for everybody else.”
Khan also talked about professional wrestling returning to mainstream prominence and why competition between companies has been the catalyst.
You can check out some highlights from the interview below:
On how competition created a pro wrestling resurgence: “There’s a number of big factors that would play into why wrestling has seen such a great renaissance in recent years. I think it comes from the great competition in wrestling right now, and the fact that there are so many great stars competing right now. Everyone knows that the most real thing in wrestling is the competition between the companies. The companies hate each other, and it will be a natural resource that powers the industry. They want to beat each other and take everybody’s free agents, and that makes it interesting for everybody else.”
On signing free agents to AEW: “It’s been very exciting to bring a lot of the top free agents in, and many of them are international stars that are being introduced to some fans on American television for the first time ever. I think now, in a digital era where the information is at our fingertips and entire libraries of matches are at our fingertips, it’s more feasible than ever for fans to familiarize themselves and for these wrestlers to connect with the domestic audience upon arrival.”
On the intent with the creation of AEW: “AEW is a challenger brand in the pro wrestling industry. When we started All Elite Wrestling, pro wrestling had been a monopoly for about 20 years. It was something that was really important to me to create an alternative pro wrestling promotion with a major following.”
In a recent interview with IndieWire.com, AEW President Tony Khan discussed the ongoing war between All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and WWE, shedding light on the factors that have contributed to the resurgence of professional wrestling in recent years. Khan emphasized the importance of competition in the wrestling industry and how it has sparked a renewed interest among fans.
Khan stated, “There’s a number of big factors that would play into why wrestling has seen such a great renaissance in recent years. I think it comes from the great competition in wrestling right now, and the fact that there are so many great stars competing right now.” He highlighted the intense rivalry between companies as the most authentic aspect of wrestling, as companies strive to outdo each other and acquire talented free agents. This competition serves as a driving force for the industry and keeps it interesting for both fans and wrestlers.
The AEW President also discussed the impact of competition on signing free agents to AEW. He expressed his excitement about bringing in top free agents, including international stars who are being introduced to American audiences for the first time. Khan believes that in today’s digital era, where information and matches are easily accessible, it is more feasible than ever for fans to familiarize themselves with new wrestlers and for these wrestlers to connect with the domestic audience upon their arrival.
When asked about the intent behind creating AEW, Khan described it as a challenger brand in the pro wrestling industry. He recognized that for about 20 years, professional wrestling had been monopolized by WWE. Therefore, it was important for him to establish an alternative promotion with a significant following. AEW has since gained a loyal fan base and has become a major player in the wrestling world.
The competition between AEW and WWE has undoubtedly revitalized professional wrestling, bringing it back into mainstream prominence. The intense rivalry between these companies has created a sense of excitement and anticipation among fans, as they witness the battle for supremacy unfold. This competition has not only benefited the companies involved but has also provided a platform for talented wrestlers to showcase their skills and gain recognition.
In conclusion, Tony Khan’s insights shed light on the role of competition in the resurgence of professional wrestling. The intense rivalry between AEW and WWE has reinvigorated the industry, attracting a new generation of fans and providing opportunities for wrestlers to thrive. As the war between these companies continues, it is clear that competition will remain a driving force in the wrestling world, fueling its growth and ensuring its continued success.