In the world of professional wrestling, few names have stirred as much controversy and excitement as Tony Khan. The founder of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is a polarizing figure, viewed by some as a visionary savior of the sport and by others as a clueless “money mark.” However, the truth about Khan likely lies somewhere in between these extremes.
Since its inception, AEW has shaken up the wrestling business, forcing established companies to up their game. But along the way, Khan has made some missteps that have tarnished his image and that of his promotion. In this article, we’ll delve into 10 things Tony Khan might prefer you forget.
**1. Departures Under NDA**
Over the years, several wrestlers have left AEW, but the details behind some of these exits remain shrouded in mystery due to non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). One notable case is Cody Rhodes, whose departure raised eyebrows, especially considering a clause in his contract that was not activated.
**2. Cody Rhodes’ Exit**
The circumstances surrounding Cody Rhodes’ departure from AEW in February 2022 raised questions. While public statements cited personal reasons and career aspirations, rumors suggest there might be more to the story, potentially involving undisclosed agreements and disagreements behind the scenes.
**3. Kylie Rae’s Mysterious Disappearance**
Another puzzling departure from AEW was that of Kylie Rae, who vanished from the promotion shortly after its inception. Speculation has swirled about the reasons for her exit, with some rumors linking it to alleged misconduct incidents involving top stars.
**4. Tony Khan’s Early Involvement in AEW**
While AEW’s origins are often portrayed as independent of major investors, revelations suggest that Tony Khan’s financial backing played a significant role, casting doubt on the narrative of grassroots independence.
**5. CM Punk’s Rejection**
Before AEW’s formation, CM Punk was reportedly Tony Khan’s top priority for building a viable wrestling promotion. Punk’s eventual rejection reshaped the landscape of AEW’s leadership and negotiations.
**6. Jim Cornette’s Rejection**
Renowned wrestling personality Jim Cornette was approached to be part of AEW’s formation but declined, citing disagreements with Khan’s vision and the prominent role given to the Elite.
**7. Tony Khan’s Role in Sports Teams**
Khan’s involvement in sports extends beyond wrestling, with roles in NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars and Premier League’s Fulham FC. However, his tenure in these positions has not been without controversy and criticism.
**8. Tony Khan’s War of Words**
Khan’s public spats, particularly on social media, have sometimes overshadowed AEW’s narrative. His confrontations with fans, players, and even rival wrestling executives have led to questions about his temperament and professionalism.
**9. Tony Khan’s WWE Connection**
Before founding AEW, Khan had a cordial relationship with WWE, attending events and engaging with its executives. However, as AEW gained prominence, this relationship soured, leading to public feuds and rivalries.
**10. Wrestlers Who Rejected AEW**
Several prominent wrestlers, including Goldberg, AJ Styles, Kurt Angle, Lita, and Randy Orton, turned down offers to join AEW, raising questions about Khan’s ability to attract top talent and compete with WWE.
In conclusion, while Tony Khan’s contributions to the wrestling industry are undeniable, his journey has been marked by controversies, rejected offers, and public clashes. As AEW continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how Khan navigates these challenges and shapes the future of professional wrestling.
