By the end of Tony Khan’s interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, the host joked about how he would have heat with AEW’s PR person. Not because of how AEW was presented, but for taking up an hour and twenty minutes of Khan’s time rather than what may have been scheduled as a 30-minute conversation.
Tony Khan talks, often says a lot. I’ve covered the bulk and big discussion points and threads of their conversation here. Below, I’ll break down the smaller individual topics of conversation that emerged related to various wrestlers in and outside of AEW.
Khan was open to talking about various topics, individuals and controversy. Often talked openly, even to the point of being transparent when he could not say things. Spoiler: No shots were fired or lines crossed, but plenty of insightful, great details emerged.
CM Punk
Helwani brings up what happened with CM Punk and asks if AEW’s decision to play the infamous footage backstage at All In London was a response to his interview with Punk. Khan is open to the challenging question, but his response remains professional and impersonal.
Khan refuted Punk’s claims about his management style and authority as a boss, but he understands feedback as important; he did not agree with Punk’s assessment. Also, Khan disagreed with Punk’s description of the situation in AEW and with Punk’s interpretation of events. However, Khan also acknowledged and understood why and how there is a difference of perspective. Khan said he clearly wanted to reconcile, referencing Collision.
When it comes to playing the footage, its success or failure differs in the eye of the beholder. In the short term, Khan acknowledged that it got a strong rating. It also, Khan felt highlighted the reason why the relationship with Punk had to end and showed things differently from how they were presented. The tape spoke for itself.
When Helwani brought up the success of Punk’s return to WWE, Khan acknowledged Punk’s contribution to AEW. However, Khan also highlighted that before and since Punk’s departure, AEW has remained strong and currently, the roster is the best it has been. It ends with Khan acknowledging that everyone involved now seems happier.
Chris Jericho
Khan is extremely positive when asked about Jericho. Although Khan does not go into specifics about Jericho’s contractual state or return, Khan acknowledges that there is conversation about dates, and the door remains open for Jericho to return. Khan doesn’t talk about Jericho’s contract. Khan says he wants Jericho to remain in AEW.
There is some sidestepping. Khan talks about Jericho’s importance then and now. First, about his contributions in 2025 and how instrumental Jericho has been in AEW history. With praise going on about how Khan has felt when Jericho commits to something, he 100% commits. He talks about how Jericho made time in his schedule for AEW when he was Le Champion despite other commitments to fulfill.
Darby Allin
Darby Allin becomes the first talking point. Helwani had recently interviewed the daredevil. When Helwani asks when Allin will take that next step to be the face of the company, Khan states repeatedly that Allin is already one of the main faces of the promotion.
Khan praises and explains how, since day one, Allin has been a face of AEW in various respects. Although Allin hasn’t won the AEW Men’s World Championship, Allin’s been a face of the media rights partnership and a multi-time champion with the TNT Championship and AEW World Tag Team Championship.
When putting over Allin’s championship victories and how, particularly, outside of the ring, Sting and Allin clicked and became best friends. Khan seems open that eventually, Allin could be the AEW Men’s World champion. With Allin, the topic of risk came up.
Tony Khan’s Line with Violence
Critics online always go for AEW’s use of violence (although they often get plenty wrong). Khan described the risk Allin takes as calculated. However, the one spot that Khan felt went too far was the glass spot off the ladder in Sting’s retirement match at Revolution 2024.
To Khan, the spot did not play out as expected or as he imagined. There was a more serious risk that he anticipated. Ultimately, it worked out. For Khan, this was his favorite night in the wrestling business, but that risk stood out because something could have gone wrong.
When Helwani asks what Tony Khan’s line is with violence and safety, Khan explains that the spots and violence must make sense. Khan acknowledges that sometimes he has cleared spots and moments did not work out because they did not make sense. He believes they have refined the process, and 99.9%, the decisions made are right.
Khan acknowledges that the envelope can be pushed, especially on PPVs and in matches like Blood and Guts. What’s clear is that Khan respects the wrestlers’ willingness to take these risks and ability to do this to entertain the fans.
Saudi Arabia
Helwani twice mentioned Saudi Arabia. The first time, Helwani brought up that, as a sports entity, AEW is one of the few without a connection to Saudi Arabia. TKO Holding, with UFC and WWE, plus various boxing associations, have hosted events inside the nation. Khan said he did not realize that and that he had not thought about it.
He did not confirm an opinion on the topic. Later, when the discussion of counterprogramming WrestleMania Saudi Arabia was brought up, Khan’s response focused on affordability and ticket pricing.
Former AEW Wrestlers
Khan describes his experience with Andrade as great. Andrade’s first run in AEW ended amicably, on the best of terms. Khan was thrilled to have Andrade return, but could not speak about his current contractual status. That is an interesting situation that he said he will keep an eye on.
When discussing Miro, Khan puts over his TNT championship run. Khan said Miro had different ideas about his role, and this created distance between them creatively. Khan wishes him the best, and Miro has done what was best for him.
The subject of Karrion Kross/Killer Kross was brought up with Helwani questioning if he was a free agent AEW had interest in. Khan likes Kross and believes he is talented. They have not spoken to each other. Although Khan said he cleared Darby Allin to do an independent match against Kross, he wanted to see it in person. However, he was unable to. Khan said his attention has been laser-focused on other priorities.
Other Absent AEW Wrestlers
Khan talked about his love and respect for Britt Baker. Khan believes she will be back in AEW. Despite rumours and issues during her last return, Khan said nothing disparaging about her. Instead, Khan said he has had good talks with Baker. He put over her impressive work ethic and personality. Khan said he is waiting for the right situation. He also said he wanted Baker to return at 100%.
Talking about Will Ospreay, Khan hopes he will return early next year. As for MJF, Khan believes MJF had a great year as a crossover star and that his rivalry with Hangman Page and Mark Briscoe were significant storylines from this year. Despite rumors, WWE never reached out to AEW about Adam Copeland’s involvement in the John Cena retirement tour.
Talking about Adam Cole was hard for Khan because of his friendship with Cole. Khan talked about learning on the morning of All In Texas, Cole could not compete. However, he was glad Cole could tell AEW that he couldn’t wrestle. Khan says Cole is an important part of the family who will have a role in the company when he is ready, whether in commentary, hosting, or in some capacity. If Cole can wrestle again, the circumstances must be right with a good outcome for everyone.
That Picture of ex-AEW Wrestlers Holding WWE Championships
Recently, there was a photograph showing former AEW wrestlers, Cody Rhodes, Jade Cargill and Ricky Starks with their WWE championships. When asked about this, Khan did not make any specific comment on the individuals. He said he could talk for two hours each and his relationship with them and their time in AEW.
Seeing the picture made him smile and think about a personal member from the Pandemic era of AEW. A photograph he has from after Double or Nothing 2020, when, on his phone, Khan took a picture of Cody Rhodes and Jon Moxley with the AEW TNT and AEW World Championships, respectively. It made Khan reflect on how far they have come.
More From LWOS Pro Wrestling
Header photo – WikiMedia Creative Commons – Stay tuned to the Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on Tony Khan and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world. As well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world. You can catch AEW Dynamite on Wednesday nights at 8 PM ET on TBS. AEW Collision airs Saturday at 8 pm Eastern on TNT. More AEW content available on their YouTube
