Meet Tony Khan: The Billionaire Behind All Elite Wrestling | Forbes

With AEW, 38-year-old CEO Tony Khan has built the first real threat to Vince McMahon’s WWE in more than two decades. Inside the billionaire vs. billionaire smackdown.
Khan started AEW with a major investment from his father, billionaire Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shahid Khan, that was reported to be up to $100 million. Its first three months on TNT were successful enough to secure a four-year, $175 million deal with WarnerMedia to air Wednesday night Dynamite, a title he picked a quarter-century ago when he sketched out episodes in his junior high notebook. The two-hour program has shaken pro wrestling’s power structure by going head-to-head with-and beating-McMahon’s WWE,
The pro wrestling business, of course, was built on such mock machismo, but Khan has shied away from actively trash talking the competition since launching AEW in 2019. Perhaps because of his babyface personality, his tone in the video came across as more tongue in cheek than piledriver. And Khan would be wise not to gloat too early. After two years of modest growth, AEW is still experiencing early growing pains while trying to avoid the grim fate of everyone else who has dared to challenge Vince McMahon’s WWE over the past four decades-but he has already made a big impact on professional wrestling.
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[@thatguywhowearsblack]

Tony Khan hires Fuego. Also Tony Khan: Let's throw Fuego off the stage. :p

[@PresidentProductions]

Thats what he hired him for duh

[@FitPatton]

And Fuego got a brand new truck after Sammy won the TNT title.

[@abhinavt8674]

Tbh Fuego doesn't deserve a contract

[@TheDemonCaine]

Lol

[@Wakaweakweak7474]

@@abhinavt8674 tony just wants to help him. 😁 i love how AEW guys outside ring specially if u watch Ethan Page, Sammy Guevarra and BTE's vlog

[@jonathanoscategui2678]

Big props to Forbes for interviewing Tony and giving him the spotlight he deserves for having such a successful revolutionary 2021 for AEW

[@davidburke7777]

You honestly think Tony didn’t pay for this 😂

[@kgotter]

Revolutionary 2021? Other than opening up his checkbook what did he do? He’s lost viewers every week for the past 4-5 weeks.

[@androgynousmaggot9389]

Don't mind the salty drones! Imagine people being mad because others are successful and fans having fun! xd

[@jaymaledic5730]

@@androgynousmaggot9389 They're seething to the bones, you can tell. Their frustration is piling up due to AEW getting positive reviews and the other company getting bad reviews.

[@christopheraaron8299]

@@kgotter Week to week ratings don't mean much, especially when it comes to overall viewers. The network and advertisers are only interested in the key demo (the people that actually spend money), and AEW is killing it with the key demo. WWE's audience is mostly kids and virgin fanboys living in their mothers' basements.

[@johnfoord6325]

The way the wrestlers speak in the ring feels completely different than the scripted wwe style. Love the freedom AEW gives them to be themselves. Definitely capturing a bit of nostalgia with their presentation.

[@augustindelors9654]

Yes but i'm tired of skinny guys ... I want to real men fighting in the ring like The Rock, Stone Cold, HHH, Undertaker, Kane ... Not a skinny guy from twitch

[@TheDemonCaine]

@John Foord AEW is still scripted.

[@jaydenrock]

@@augustindelors9654 I can’t disagree with that. That’s my only gripe too. Though I do like Kenny Omega, Darby Alan, and Lucha Brothers. They are in desperate need of bigger wrestlers size wise. The bigger guys usually don’t have super amazing wrestling abilities like these small guys. But….what they lack in that they make up for in personality and character. That’s when you get amazing characters like Stone Cold. Sometimes I rather see a great story with some realism than some dudes doing a bunch of backflips. AEW is still great though regardless.

[@chriscollins3225]

@@augustindelors9654 you sound gay

[@GayFishYe]

AEW is a unique one, in the sense that the presentation is very nostalgic, but not so much to the point that it drowns out the up-and-coming talent. As long as Tony doesn't end up doing what Dixie Carter did to TNA, his company should be a long-term success.

[@joshsipple7492]

Tony Khan is over with me. Seems like a legit great dude. Very genuine. I am glad the stars aligned and AEW was formed.

[@JShadow6661]

What I love is he doesn’t insult the fan base’s intelligence like WWE does.

[@paintmemoria7641]

@@JShadow6661 did wwe insult its fans?

[@kelseyreganit8383]

Who is much richer Tony Khan or Vince what is the net worth of owner of aew

[@ayushabraham7782]

What about now?

[@ultraexcalibur1728]

Doesn't seem like that any more...

[@greglane334]

I love how Tony has the look of a kid on Christmas morning every time he signs a new wrestler. The man's passion is refreshing

[@venom74799]

Is it so refreshing now or you just took off the koolaid glasses?

[@mjhart68]

AEW is what a pro wrestling company should be. Putting the wrestlers and fans first, not corporate.

[@joshuaDstarks]

Oh, Tony has given his wrestlers healthcare like he said he would?

[@Grejb444]

It's Forbes.

[@Halloffamer-km9qw]

🤡

[@beastmode40205]

Corporate/management making decisions isn't a problem until it becomes corrupted with egos. Difference is, the talent will be more prone to having an ego than the front office will because the talent are all vying to be in the main event picture and making main event money. Ya'll may not think it possible, but guys like the Bucks, Cody, etc. can very easily take on the Hogan, Hall and Nash complex with having creative control and power within the company. The Elite is already gettin too close to becoming nWo-ish with adding members but not really having depth to what they do as a unit.

[@TheDemonCaine]

@Mike Hart The key word you used is company. Companies are about making money.

[@INCNetski]

Im a WWE guy, but this man is what the industry needs.

[@jonathanoscategui2678]

Tony Khan deserves big props for the incredible talent he's created. But more importantly especially with the recent controversy and anger the women's division on smackdown has received lately, Tony deserves a lot of credit for creating an amazing diverse innovative and amazing women's division that has created stars such as Riho Serena Deebs The Bunny Ally Kris statlander nyla rose red velvet big swole Penelope Ford Tay Conti Anna Jay Abadon Jade Cargill Hikaru Shida Thunder Rosa Ruby Soho and the Doctor Briit Baker 😎. Britt Baker DMD is a pioneer of the AEW women's division and a top star that was a long time investment and project of Tony's and it's paid off so well and she's established such a legacy in a short time. And Tony has taken this women's revolution a gigantic step forward with a secondary women's Championship in the TBS title. This Tournament will allow the women's division a massive platform to shine and make this new title one of the most coveted ever! 😎

[@higurashianduminekoconnect1702]

I was a Hardcore WWE fan since the since the early 90s but I was on my way to quit watching until I heard the news of all elite wrestling I just felt like they were insulting the fans make me lose passion for WWE I felt like they forgot all about their fans or more better yet I think they intentionally just threw their fans away everyone's free to like what they like but personally I'm now an AEW guy

[@RavenCyarm]

I really wish there were more WWE fans like you.

[@higurashianduminekoconnect1702]

And I agree they definitely need a Tony Khan in the wrestling industry but quite frankly it would be nice to see Vince McMahon wise up because it would be cool if we could have two great wrestling companies

[@EnAyeEm000]

@@higurashianduminekoconnect1702 he won't ever wise up. Vince and Pritchard are now making a joke of NXT. Punk said it in his WWE pipe bomb promo: "maybe WWE will be better off once Vince is dead". Now I don't wish death upon anyone but Punk had a point

[@sarmadhabibkhan3036]

Funny How Tony and AEW's starting to gain traction from the mainstream media so effortlessly just cause he listens to his fans.

[@pooptarts8005]

It’s because he’s a billionaire

[@weerdwill]

@@pooptarts8005 Or that he understands the business.

[@sarmadhabibkhan3036]

@@pooptarts8005 And so is Vince my friend.

[@pooptarts8005]

@@sarmadhabibkhan3036 Vince been mainstream

[@pooptarts8005]

@@weerdwill there’s other wrestling companies that the fans love but isn’t on the media because the owners ain’t billionaires 🤷‍♂️

[@doraemonpawnz]

It's insane how they're able to achieve this level in just 2 years. They might be a startup and still poses no threat to WWE scale-wise but for AEW to achieve so much in such a short timespan is mindblowing

[@theminimalistgamer1340]

It’s not as impressive when you realize his multi multi billionaire dad put money in this.

[@isDatBoi]

@@theminimalistgamer1340 his father no money

[@usamamalik420]

@@theminimalistgamer1340 well you can have 100M $ and still sink all that money.

[@marsalah70]

Well when your childhood favorite tv show and it feel nostalgic

[@ElectronicaStation1]

@@theminimalistgamer1340 Did Vince start his company by himself or was it his fathers. I hate when people make excuses for success. The comany is going strong and it's giving that other kids wrestling show a run for their money..

[@kenwahldhlamini8102]

10 months later there's a Lotta back stage heat

[@AngSpoiled]

& has Creative issues-

[@sirnoname6943]

Well there’s people being scripted to lose lol people these days everyone wants to win lol

[@alternative7586]

We need this TK back. Or just replace the entire creative team

[@salmanghaffar9330]

He is such a polite and formidable guy . He made me fall into love with pro wrestling again when being tired of wwe's product I was bout to quit watching wrestling . Been wrestling stan for 15 years now 😄😄😄

[@ThisIsAydin]

You and Stan are having the longest wrestling match of all time. I hope you’re taping it!

[@chad264]

@@ThisIsAydin its genuinely been long. Let's see who wins

[@salmanghaffar9330]

@@ThisIsAydin if samckdown and dynamite keep giving their best I'm gonna win ....yes taping

[@mitchell9110]

I've been watching pro wrestling for close to sixty years (yeah, I'm old). Had just about stopped due to the constant insulting of my intelligence by WWE. Along comes AEW. It's good to be an enthusiastic fan again.

[@salmanghaffar9330]

@@mitchell9110 💓💓💓💓💓

[@SGIC_BLade]

The savior of professional wrestling Tony Khan. Wen I went to AEW rampage wen CM Punk returned he came out before and after the show and you can just tell that man is full of passion for the business. He was so excited it sounded like he was going to cry at times. I hope the company continues to grow but also stay true to why we love them in first place.

[@ResistingDeath]

When*

[@franklingoodwin]

Savior, lol. Such a mark. It was doing just fine before he arrived on the scene

[@cwell510]

@@franklingoodwin Was it though?🤔

[@TheProWrestlingPodcast]

Oh bro I was there to! It was amazing!

[@SGIC_BLade]

@@franklingoodwin if you like surprise roll up and no contest finishes for 98% of every match with horrible scripted promos and non sense story telling then you’re right.

[@justinperrotta2701]

Tony will not only be remembered as a billionaire, but as a true artist.

[@sarthakrawat7748]

As a son of billionare

[@AdityaSingh-gb2lk]

@@sarthakrawat7748 so was vince

[@timwilliams6507]

@@AdityaSingh-gb2lk No he wasn't lol, Vince grew up as trailer trash.

[@dranzerjetli5126]

You got that damn right

[@dranzerjetli5126]

@@timwilliams6507 he literally was the son of vince mcmahon sr how do you think he got wwf.

[@Machina4K]

Love Tony, the man has the passion and fire of youth to really bring all his wrestling madness to reality. Congratulations on the great trip that AEW has been and that it lasts for many more years!

[@AxxLAfriku]

OH NOOOOOO!!! Most people agree that my vids are the worst on KZbin. I agree to disagree. Please agree to disagree with the haters, dear mach

[@rajveerkanojiya2985]

If even aew beats WWE you still have to agree that because of WWE aew exists

[@ihatefakefighting6698]

Founder, President, Owner, CEO of a scam "wrestling" company. This clown and Vince McMahon should both be in jail.

[@jackthegamelordb448]

@@ihatefakefighting6698 Vince yes Tony is a good guy in general

[@jackthegamelordb448]

@@rajveerkanojiya2985 in a sens yes but the problem is you can clam that with any wrestling promotion because WWE had a monopoly on pro wrestling so your argument is pretty moot

[@AN-filmandmusic]

He’s the reason I came back to wrestling after 5 years. He’s brought back so many lapsed fans like myself too.

[@DrinkYourNailPolish]

Same!! AEW is amazing!!

[@Allen_Rowe]

He is the reason why pro wrestling is still alive in 2021. A seven minutes video about Tony's journey with AEW isn't enough Forbes, you need to make an hour long documentary at least.

[@tallthinkev]

And keep Brandi off it!

[@BuzzAEW]

@@tallthinkev why?

[@tallthinkev]

@@BuzzAEW Because she's terrible, she maybe the nicest person in the world but she doesn't fit with AEW programming. What does she do?

[@necroflowers2244]

Tony is a wrestling fan. His passion is driven from a deep love and admiration for wrestling and wrestlers. Thank you Tony!

[@ihatefakefighting6698]

Founder, President, Owner, CEO of a scam "wrestling" company. This clown and Vince McMahon should both be in jail.

[@kyletrav996]

Now change it to “Meet Tony Khan: the man who feared for his life and safety”

[@sppsports2449]

As a diehard WWE fan, I can say that Tony Khan is a gift to the wrestling industry. He clearly loves wrestling and is making the whole industry better because of it.

[@juancastillo395]

You still think that?

[@crueldeity]

Tony Kahn knows his stuff. AEW made me like wrestling again.

[@jonathanoscategui2678]

AEW brought fun and excitement and unpredictability back to pro wrestling which WWE all but killed

[@kurexx3424]

Same

[@Joker-mq7zr]

@BigGreen and you acting like wwe isn't predictable

[@chrisyanover1777]

Tony Khan signing CM Punk was a game changer in the wrestling business!

[@Steve-eq8iz]

Not according to the ratings lol Fake bullshit wrestling is dead.

[@mattk9720]

Cm punk also is 42 , taking falls and bumps is going to be rough for the man

[@archmist_-_-_4801]

@@mattk9720 there’s still a lot of wrestlers who have wrestled in that age and are still wrestling at that age like Bobby Lashley, AJ Styles etc. It’s not uncommon for a wrestler to wrestle at the age of 42

[@kushalrijal9453]

How exactly has wrestling business changed after Punk signing? 😄

[@SuCKeRPunCH187]

@@Steve-eq8iz agreed. Wrestling is like any tv show. It had its time when it was the best thing to watch and now it is just circling the drain. AEW needs to start like more than 10 years ago.

[@TheSkitz333]

Thats so awesome glad to see Forbes seeing Tony as the fckn man he is.

[@canaantx210]

Men don't take Adderall. Mentally ill children do.

[@rennefaireresident9085]

@carlos fitchett Yep, "Men" Just tough it out until they die of a heart attack.

[@tigersinyourlungs]

@@canaantx210 you must know through experience? Regardless, Tony and everyone within AEW will mean more, contribute more and have more than you ever could soyboy.

[@braveinternetguy]

Forbes doesn’t see him as a man.. Forbes sees him as RICH

[@rennefaireresident9085]

@@tigersinyourlungs I feel sorry for him and his relationship with his father, for sure. Some very toxic goings on there.

[@JAG-xf2hm]

Anyone with a love for wrestling knew that if someone would just give the fans what they want and deserve they could become a hero and make a ton of money the same time. You didn't listen Vince, you opened the door for AEW and you can't close it!

[@salahdinbhat]

I gotta admit Tony Khan is already legend, huge respect for him for bringing back Pro Wrestling to it's fans. I wish AEW always stays No. 1 wrestling company..

[@typicalfiend4492]

They are currently numbers 2 they just gotta beat smackdown in order to be number 1

[@salyonara1437]

I love watching their show (I consider myself casual), every week they put a great show that makes you smile. I'm glad AEW exist.

[@joaquimaraujo96]

Tony Khan saved pro wrestling! What a great guy that he is, he is a wrestling fan like us, he brought my passion back for wrestling like the old times! Aew makes me smile and happy every single week! Thank you Tony and AEW!

[@johnfury316]

Saved Wrestling? Didn’t know wrestling needed saving. Your too funny. You clearly know nothing.

[@kevinnashsquad3360]

@@johnfury316 this guy is a joke🤡

[@DrinkYourNailPolish]

I feel the same way. AEW makes me feel like a teen again during the attitude era!

[@ShivPatel-hy6vu]

@@johnfury316 it did

[@Tkenny35]

Not a wrestling fan anymore. Havent watched it since the old golden years of WWE but what did Tony do so different compared to other promotions? Genuinely curious on how he flipped the script

[@rubix187]

It’s about time Tony Khan gets his flowers. Big Boss moves 💰

[@Mr.VAGlNA]

Things have changed so much now 😢

[@johnsondaypool92]

2 years later Cody Rhodes gone Jada gone cm punk gone ratings low attendance is down am I missing something.

[@ishmael802]

Its all relative. They had a successful 2023 overall. Revenue, ticket sales and PPV Viewership.

[@johnsondaypool92]

@@ishmael802 yeah what reality cause ppv number dip little attendance was down 2023 so idk what you smoking and ratings are low each year it will get lower

[@Reyy619]

​@@johnsondaypool92it's a new company who's facing constant hate , they will be better in future for sure

[@dangerousd1312]

AEW is showing people the potential of professional wrestling that vince and Co have made look bad for 20 years

[@godkinghell15]

Yup your right

[@Jjustmay]

FED BAD

[@KairosObj]

Wwe indeed has set the industry back durin their monopoly. The rest of the industry including AEW is still tryin' to rectify that.

[@higurashianduminekoconnect1702]

@@KairosObj I feel like he kinda already has Tony Khan it just took someone with a bigger wallet break the Monopoly since the government doesn't like to do their jobs comes to certain companies just look at Disney

[@higurashianduminekoconnect1702]

@@KairosObj so it usually takes someone who cares with a bigger wallet to do the government's job really WWE and those companies should have been legally broken up but even in court notice how if they ever get accused of a monopoly they always get favored in court and it's because of political reasons it's often because well they do charity they do this Charities good and all but I feel like WWE wait with that based on their name value

[@michaeljoy4510]

Tony Khan restored my love of pro wrestling. Thank you, Tony.

[@tommyscavetta3153]

He started AEW at the perfect time thank you Tony

[@josiahok6066]

It’s insane what 2 years can do

[@souryabanik]

He is not a billionaire. He is a son of a billionaire.

[@wwemasta]

jabroni tony khan is the amazing pakistani dont disrespect him

[@Allpurple_reign]

forbes would know more than you, his net worth is 1.5 billion

[@KJClutchoxw]

I wish we (aew) could surprise Tony khan with a show of appreciation. He always thanks us when he’s the gift that keeps giving. Thank you King Khan

[@justwannapost69]

I haven't heard that nickname yet and I love it!!

[@DrinkYourNailPolish]

Same!!

[@rare5312]

This man works harder than many people

[@Steve-eq8iz]

Yeah. Just look at the success of Fulham FC and the Jacksonville Jaguars lol

[@FitPatton]

@@Steve-eq8iz And you're jealous he makes big bucks while you're sulking in the basement right?

[@franklingoodwin]

@@FitPatton Mark, lol

[@myzticghxul1788]

@@Steve-eq8iz he still works harder than you

[@myzticghxul1788]

@@Steve-eq8iz also the Jacksonville jags are just terrible because of the players not him

[@allainangcao28]

Wrestlers: So what do you see us doing boss? Tony: Do what ever you want, just don’t kill each other.

[@charonbond9715]

AEW is doing the right things when it's needed the most. So much wisdom from the wrestlers themselves to help this along. Taz, Dean Malenko, Jericho they have been in the business and others like them can keep pushing the envelope.

[@Samsen_]

Seeing all these amazing talent focusing on the show and enjoying what they do is so refreshing to see in a company. I love that for all of them. It's so interesting to see how it all goes down behind the scenes and how casual they are together.

[@ihatefakefighting6698]

Founder, President, Owner, CEO of a scam "wrestling" company. This clown and Vince McMahon should both be in jail.

[@TerrelLism]

Tony Khan!!! AEW has reinvigorated my love of Professional Wrestling. I haven't missed an episode.

[@atifworld]

I was liking AEW from beginning but after Brodie Lee show I was in love with AEW and my respect for TONY KHAN increases

[@FungiRy91]

Tony is responsible for my renewed love of wrestling. AEW brought me back.

[@diegoprodriguez]

When I hear him talk about throwing Feugo off the stage, you can kinda hear the fan in him that thinks it would be a good idea.

[@KairosObj]

That's what makes it great that TK is runnin a wrestlin show. The fan in him definitely will ensure that AEW succeeds.

[@Sky_Blaze]

Thats what makes him a shitty mark booker who doesnt know what hes doing...

[@KairosObj]

@@Sky_Blaze ha don't think so. Booker of the year comin yet again.

[@ihatefakefighting6698]

Founder, President, Owner, CEO of a scam "wrestling" company. This clown and Vince McMahon should both be in jail.

[@Sky_Blaze]

@Lujack Shaw I love cornette yes, but hes wrong and out of touch at times. I didnt need cornette to tell me how bad the booking is, every casual viewer not tuning in proves my point. Aew could be so much more, idiots. There's potential but they squander it. And I"ve followed this company and was a fan at the start. Turn on dark order, young bucks promos, best friends, matt hardy crappy faction, and etc. And not be embarrassed.

[@chuongnguyen2630]

Tk is my hero and made me believe in wrestling again

[@higurashianduminekoconnect1702]

You can say that again I was about to be one of those people who stopped watching wrestling and I too would have been waiting for a great wrestling promotion to come and make wrestling great again Tony Khan did that right before that happened my faith in wrestling was about to fizzle out out before Tony Khan he basically reunited the flame before it burned out and gave me something to believe in wrestling about again and that flame is the size of a mountain that this point

[@ihatefakefighting6698]

Founder, President, Owner, CEO of a scam "wrestling" company. This clown and Vince McMahon should both be in jail.

[@menacelurkingyet8345]

Your type just loves seeing people get hurt with over-the-top gross garbage.

[@GEORGIOARCADE]

Tony Kahn has a brilliant mind we know that. I think his biggest skill is his passion for wrestling and it being fun to watch. He took what was lacking from this industry and made it better by adding the missing ingredients to make it easy to consume.

[@Bagheadman]

Passion isn't a skill.

[@darksoul6482]

Its Khan.. Not Kahn

[@ihatefakefighting6698]

Founder, President, Owner, CEO of a scam "wrestling" company. This clown and Vince McMahon should both be in jail.

[@marinaabbasi1171]

Khan (Pakistani name) not “Kahn” Pakistanis are amazing business people...shahid Khan came from Pakistan as an immigrant to the USA and worked hard to become one the richest men in the world!!! 🇵🇰

[@GEORGIOARCADE]

@@marinaabbasi1171 i didn't mean to say his name wrong on purpose. My comment was meant to be positive. Let's keep the focus on that and i appreciate you correcting me

[@MattDoesLife539]

Don't let this guy fool you, he's worth 4x more than Vince.

[@truthspeaks1813]

I know

[@DrinkYourNailPolish]

I love that he doesn't act like a snotty rich guy. He kind of reminds me of one of my friends who is really laid back and you wouldn't know he had $$$ just by looking at him.

[@hollaz2]

You mean his father

[@TheVosack]

I just want to say Thank You. I gave up on wrestling a long time ago. AEW has brought me back.

[@jonathanoscategui2678]

We all thank Tony and the amazing roster of men and women talent

[@theinfamousmrsleep]

There's only room for ONE Khan here, and his name is TONY KHAN.

[@gator9339]

*Shao Khan has left the chat*

[@menacelurkingyet8345]

Okay, how about a cage match for both of those non-wrestlers ?

[@ModernDayMania61]

Nick

[@jadielrosadonavarro7263]

Tony is doing something special with aew, hope it keeps going that way.

[@ihatefakefighting6698]

Founder, President, Owner, CEO of a scam "wrestling" company. This clown and Vince McMahon should both be in jail.

[@ihatefakefighting6698]

@Eddie V It's true son.

[@RN-yo4qm]

From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you for making me fell in love with Wrestling again. Thank you so much for creating AEW, Tony Khan. Thank you.

[@shashikumar2004A]

Awesome Tony Khan.. we expect more and more legendary matches from All Elite Wrestling.. like Lucha Bros vs Young bucks for every PPV events until eternity

[@debapriyomukhopadhyay2329]

Thank you TONY!!! YOU'VE CAME TO OUR, PRO WRESTLING LOVERS ,LIFE AS A BLESSING!! KEEP IT UP , keep up the good work & keep thriving & oh yeah HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

[@KingJadInfiniteHope]

Professional Wrestling 100% died to me in 2017, it started in 2011 with the worst storyline of all time (raw anonymous general manager/laptop/John laurinitus) but that was the ONLY one that I felt was TRULY horrific at the time in wwe, so that didn’t kill it i was still happily watching after that, but in 2014 with the undertaker losing at Wrestlemania 30 and CM Punk retiring in the same year that really got me to START losing interest. I only watched in 2015 for Cenas U.S Title run, (best us title run of all time). I only watched in 2016 for Cena and AJ Styles, and I only watched the beginning of 2017 for Cenas 16th world title reign. (My earliest memories of watching wrestling was summer of 2006 so ya Cenas my favorite sue me.) after that 16th title run, Wrestling DIED to me, completely. in July 2021, I watched AEW for the FIRST time, and I can gladly say that I love watching wrestling again. Thank you Tony Kahn and everyone in AEW.

[@TheSciGuy449]

You can watch wwe for the tribal chief now

[@KingJadInfiniteHope]

@@TheSciGuy449 please, never say that again.

[@asad5237508]

@@KingJadInfiniteHope For me, wrestling came back to life when Brock Lesnar returned. So, to each his own

[@KingJadInfiniteHope]

@@asad5237508 his 500 day (2 and half match) reign is also apart of why i wanted to stop watching. but yes as long as we all loved the program at one point in time is all that matters.

[@higurashianduminekoconnect1702]

@@asad5237508 don't get me wrong Brock Lesnar looks cool now with that new look but anytime Brock Lesnar comes back wrestling dies a little more for me because I'm always going to remember how they gave him the title and he was gone for four months out of the year it's just going to be the same thing if he gets the title if they don't give him the title I'm fine with him I mean seriously I don't count his 500 Title reign as long because he didn't defend it that much somebody had the title for 500 Days and was defending it every pay-per-view or better yet if someone had it for a thousand days and defended it every pay-per-view even if somebody had it for only a 300 days I would be with longer than Brock Lesnar's title rain because it shouldn't count he didn't defend it if anything it should have been stripped from him and I'm not the only one who thinks that there's a lot of fans who don't consider his 500 Title reign to be truthful lot of fans considerate a falsified statement because he never defended it that many days the only thing I can say about Brock Lesnar he looks cool fun to watch you throw people around but him is Champion he's the worst the ratings were going down when he was Champion if you don't remember people were tired of the championship not meaning anything so he's better as not being a champion

[@dewforpolitics]

Tony Khan is a wrestling promoter and booking GOD! Thank you for bringing wrestling back! AEW! AEW! AEW!

[@Krispen_Wah]

A booking god he is not but a fine promoter.

[@ryanbirchett4805]

Good to see Tony Khan spotlighted like this. Applaud him for what he’s doing in a business that has needed someone like him for a while. He is exactly what Vince McMahon was in the mid-90s for wrestling bringing something different but yet still the same in a different way.

[@boraselvi9960]

This is good for all wrestling fans. Aew is great and WWE will now have to improve their product to compete. Monopoly is never a good thing.

[@ihatefakefighting6698]

Founder, President, Owner, CEO of a scam "wrestling" company. This clown and Vince McMahon should both be in jail.

[@darien4969]

@@ihatefakefighting6698 cry a river kid

[@DravenxEyeless]

@@ihatefakefighting6698 go outside and touch some grass, buddy

[@chuyozuna2398]

@@ihatefakefighting6698 Go seek employment

[@ihatefakefighting6698]

@@darien4969 First of all, stop with the dumb insults and HIDING BEHIND FACTS. Second of all I'm Fifty one, so SHOW SOME RESPECT.

[@KairosObj]

This is such good shite! TK the savior of many peoples love of the biz.

[@christophermarriott1681]

Yes Sir.

[@davewalsh1299]

I'd say Tony is an amazing lover 🤤

[@ihatefakefighting6698]

Founder, President, Owner, CEO of a scam "wrestling" company. This clown and Vince McMahon should both be in jail.

[@menacelurkingyet8345]

The way the wrestlers speak in the ring sounds like recycled WCW garbage.

[@VultureTalks]

Not really.

[@cryforthemoon]

AEW gives us story lines and characters that couldn't exist other places.

[@kennyljs]

According to the IWC, there is no such things in Aew

[@ledgardoA7X]

The guy who made a wrestling fan again 🙏🏽

[@johngurnhill8743]

Same

[@saulbadman5705]

We are genuinely witnessing wrestling history in the making here.

[@ihatefakefighting6698]

Founder, President, Owner, CEO of a scam "wrestling" company. This clown and Vince McMahon should both be in jail.

[@Jojjhg]

This was horribly aged

[@ryanguerra5910]

Thanks tony khan for bring the kid out of me again

[@jackthehover299]

thank you for saving pro wrestling, tony 🙏

[@franklingoodwin]

Saving it? Lol. Don't be mark

[@drakerapper8050]

@@franklingoodwin don't be English

[@franklingoodwin]

@@drakerapper8050 What? I am English...and what?

[@higurashianduminekoconnect1702]

@@franklingoodwin he wasn't being a mark at all it's just common sense to say Tony Khan saved professional wrestling

[@LovinneLily]

Tony: I think we should throw Fuego off Me: ain't he the cutest??

[@screamingstephenhawking9245]

No. Maki Itoh is the cutest.

[@kennyljs]

@@screamingstephenhawking9245 Tony didn't sign Maki Itoh. Lol

[@ihatefakefighting6698]

Founder, President, Owner, CEO of a scam "wrestling" company. This clown and Vince McMahon should both be in jail.

[@SmokeDawg407]

I'm 31 and I haven't watched wrestling since 2002 but Tony Khan got me watching wrestling again with AEW. Never thought I'd be watching it again but he has something special with AEW.

[@baltazarcornejo1478]

Oh how times have changed since this came out lol

[@j-dub5163]

This is EXACTLY what I wanted to see. Tony deserves this spotlight.

[@viewwithice4500]

AEW gets alot of hate but dammit it is entertaining. For the past year the only wrestling shows that got me really hype were NXT and AEW. Im just grateful that this man created AEW. AEW is not perfect but it is definitely my favourite wrestling promotion at the moment

[@kayosensei]

Tony Khan and AEW actually knows how to make a dynamic and unexpected wrestling show that makes you wanna tune in week after week! And the fact that each wrestler has more creative freedom just means that more minds are thinking about how they can make the product better which is more of a advantage than a disadvantage given that there are no too controversial personalities involved.

[@lcruz4223]

Maaaan the last time i saw a documentary like this was in the Attitude Era. This man is bringing wrestling back! The future

[@moondogrex4627]

No his daddy is a billionaire

[@RikuDawnHero98]

Tony Khan is also a billionaire, he just doesn't have as many billions as his dad. Tony is worth 1.5 billion and his dad is worth 11.5 billion.

[@GamingSaturnMoonManBoy]

AEW revitalized my passion for wrestling as when AEW was starting up it was hard to watch smackdown and raw but AEW changed that for me

[@pooptarts8005]

Idk how y’all can speak so passionately about your fake sport

[@RavenCyarm]

​@@pooptarts8005 Saying it's fake isn't a "HA GOT YOU" anymore. We all know it's fake and we have for decades, lol. When you watch a TV show or a movie, it's fake too... but you still enjoy it for the action, drama, humor or whatever aspect of it appeals most to you. It's the same with wrestling. You suspend your disbelief for a couple hours and you enjoy the show... and unlike movies or TV, wrestling goes on forever. Even if AEW or WWE closed tomorrow, these wrestlers would go on to work elsewhere and their stories and careers continue in another company, so you can continue to follow them. It's an entire cinematic universe that's ever expanding.

[@pooptarts8005]

@@RavenCyarm definitely not ever expanding it’s lost millions on viewers over the years. Congrats on your paragraph though

[@higurashianduminekoconnect1702]

@@pooptarts8005 It's simple I can answer that question for you and I can make you regret your logic because you'll find out you don't have any. Basically how we can get passionate over what was it called you said a fake sport it's the same reason you get passionate over a movie you hypocrite. Also even if it is scripted in predetermined they still take bumps and get injured people have died in the ring the risks they take is real. The real question is how do people like you use that kind of logic.

[@higurashianduminekoconnect1702]

@@pooptarts8005 what's the matter you can't read that far is that the length of your attention span. What do I expect though from somebody who uses the logic wrestling being fake. Especially when that means you also followed that your logic if that's the case because movies are the same thing. And despite what you think I'm not even trying to be rude it's just straight-up honest what I'm saying to you at this point.

[@SardonischerDean]

Khan is a great wrestling promoter, and I always look forward to AEW every week on FITE.

[@SardonischerDean]

@LJ54 what's funny?

[@johnnymorningstar2855]

This is the man that saved pro wrestling from the obscurity it's been in for around decade now. Everything about AEW is exciting from the wrestlers, to the wrestling, to the crowd itself. I've been a wrestling fan for about 20 years now and I'm always looking forward to see what AEW does next. That company has reignited the passion for a lot of wrestling fans and we have Tony Khan to thank for it. AEW is still only growing bigger and bigger so right now is simply just a great time to be into pro wrestling or start getting into it. AEW offers something for everybody and I think that's awesome 💯

[@cyclonicleo]

There's a lot of love for Tony Khan in the wrestling community as he's chosen to listen to wrestlers to try and make their lives better. He's also seen the ghosts of the past in WCW and he looks to be avoiding the mistakes that were made there. Fans love Tony because they see themselves in him, too.

[@Surgicalsensei]

That’s how I got into wrestling when I saw ads for Hulk Hogan and Ultimate Warrior for WrestleMania and I just wanted to see these characters on TV coming to real life in the ring and who the strongest man in the world was.

[@XanetTechTipsTricks]

He brought what we want.

[@menacelurkingyet8345]

Your type just loves seeing people get hurt with over-the-top gross garbage.

[@gime1945]

Stopped watching wrestling after the whole Attitude era finished. Lately have been slowly getting back into it, watching some AEW events. After seeing this, I have more reason to keep watching knowing the guy behind it all is so passionate about it.

[@EmpireZzzz]

U didn't watch ruthless aggression?

[@gime1945]

@@EmpireZzzz I watched a little bit of the early stuff but after a while it just didn't feel or hit the same.

[@BollyToHolly]

Tony khan made me fall in love with pro-wrestling all over again

[@red_hood9733]

Uncle Tony! The savior of pro wrestling!

[@Fayn757]

Biggest money mark in wrestling history

[@eddiew2325]

He needs to go

[@eddiew2325]

HE SUCKS

[@cruzo3512]

This man is such a hardworker and a Fantastic leader. I appreciate everything he has done in the last few years for the world of professional wrestling and he's truly an inspiration to me. Thank you Tony!

[@KristianNikolla8]

I was at the Arthur Ashe show sitting at the corner of the ring and ramp! I had a blast and being on camera 5 times was incredible

[@johnbriancotoner3391]

I love Tony Khan, young businessman who became successful in professional wrestling business, AEW is the success promotion where the fans want something new impact and new level of entertainment also many Wrestlers from all over the world especially from Indie Circuit are giving opportunity to showcase their talent on-air.

[@galaxystar9847]

Imagine being a wrestling fan and open a wrestling promotion, this guy's so lucky and that's why AEW's rocking right now

[@BoiNation_NC]

Happy birthday to Tony Khan 🙏🏾

[@scorptarget]

Way to go Tony! AEW is really starting to pick up steam now after signing Punk, Danielson and Cole. 💯

[@hordeforlife827]

Im 38 i was born watching wrestling my wife hated wrestling so i made her a promise that when taker lost at mania id quit watching. Then AEW happened and she is a huge fan.there has never been a time Ive been so easily able to justify myself for loving wrestling than now. Thankyou AEW and Tony Khan.

[@Vrandack]

Much love to Kahn. So good to see a fan running a wrestling company

[@ModernDayMania61]

Yeah, fans should give a huge thanks to Khan who revolutionized wrestling... Nick.

[@cp3o205]

Tony is cool seems humble.

[@sajjadhossain4954]

The only way to success of Aew : Give Freedom to every wrestler and watch. Easiest way, which wwe couldn't implement.

[@joeford5181]

Right now Cody is a champ in WWE CM Punk is having fun in WWE NXT..... Is beating AEW. Some homegrown AEW talent are going to WWE

[@TonyBeanify]

0:12 The way Tony asked the Wrestler whether his idea make sense, is probably why AEW's storyline make more sense than WWE's "creative"

[@joesantana6429]

Living a dream of many ! To be a wrestling fan to running your own business with your favorite wrestlers

[@thepolarphantasm2319]

Things you should know about = Tony Khan This computes, 100%. Thanks y'all

[@mantistoboggan2599]

I really feel like there should’ve been a mention of how TK was financial backing they needed to get AEW off the ground, but AEW was Cody Rhodes, Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks idea

[@jagsnews5786]

But it wasn’t. AEW was Tony’s idea from the beginning.

[@nworder4life]

@@jagsnews5786 No, the bucks and Cody Rhodes produced the first PPV "All In" which had a lot of support from ROH. After that show, Cody and the bucks found Tony Kahn who agreed to create and fund the new wrestling company so long as he was the man in charge. They brought Omega on board because he was a huge star in the wrestling world and #1 in Japan. The 4 become EVP's of the new fledgling company and AEW was formed. Their first major get was Jericho who became the face of the company to bring legitimacy, then the bucks got multiple indie talents to sign up mostly from California, Omega got a few Japanese wrestlers to come in (Riho, Nakazawa, Shida) and Cody was dealing with the business side of things(also making a few calls to guys like Tony Schiavone to scout them out for the company) So the idea for a new wrestling company, the vision of a new wrestling company would have never happened without Cody Rhodes and the Young Bucks.

[@Ckw200]

The Man that saved Professional Wrestling....Thank you, Tony.

[@MrElpizo1982]

Thank you Forbes, for interviewing him. I stopped watching towards the end of the attitude era of WWE, AEW re-ignited my interest in wrestling in a HUGE way, same with my younger brother, TK was the one who made it all possible. Even if you don't like AEW, now is a really REALLY good time to be a wrestling fan.

[@jasonjay1053]

Life long WWE fan & for the past 3 years wrestling was dying for me . I stopped watching full shows & caught clips on Instagram because it was the same ol BS but AEW really brought wrestling back. It’s fun to watch full shows again 💯

[@joshuagumpert8910]

Same man. I actually get excited for wrestling every week again. It’s a great feeling

[@joethevideoeditor489]

It's interesting to see how AEW contrasts with WWE. If there were an organization chart for both, AEW's connecting lines would go from the bottom to the top and vice-versa, reflecting the constant consult and info feedback between all of them. Whereas if we saw WWE's, I believe all lines and info feedback would be moving to the top and that's it. All info goes to Vince/Bruce and they make the call, regardless of what others think could work or not.

[@TheRealRollerCodster]

Thank you Tony! AEW brought my love of wrestling back. He seems like such a great dude.