Tony Khan’s Business Savvy Shines Through in Recent Revelations
Wrestling, for many, is a blend of athleticism, storytelling, and sheer entertainment. But behind the scenes, it’s a world of strategic decisions, business acquisitions, and brand management. Tony Khan, the visionary behind AEW, recently shed light on some of these aspects, offering fans a glimpse into the intricate workings of the wrestling business.
In 2018, the wrestling community was abuzz with “All In,” an event celebrated as the largest independent wrestling show. Spearheaded by industry stalwarts like Cody Rhodes and the Young Bucks, and in collaboration with ROH and NJPW, this event packed the Sears Centre Arena with over 11,000 ardent fans. Five years later, AEW’s “All In” event at the iconic Wembley Stadium drew a staggering crowd of over 81,000 enthusiasts, marking a significant milestone in AEW’s journey.
While being a massive success, the original “All In” event was intricately tied with ROH, as they were instrumental in producing it. This connection became even more significant when Tony Khan acquired ROH in 2022. This acquisition wasn’t just about adding another wrestling promotion under the AEW umbrella but also securing valuable assets. As Khan pointed out, the revenue from the Wembley Stadium event was manifold compared to the entire cost of acquiring ROH. In his words, it was “quite a steal.”
AEW’s establishment in 2019 saw the birth of “AEW All Out.” While many saw it as a continuation of the “All In” legacy, there was more to the name than met the eye. Khan candidly shared that the choice of “All Out” was a strategic move to avoid potential legal entanglements with ROH over the “All In” name. Now, with both names under AEW’s banner, the promotion has a broader narrative canvas to paint on.
Tony Khan’s revelations underscore the importance of business acumen in the world of professional wrestling. It’s not just about the in-ring action; it’s about making decisions that ensure the brand’s growth, sustainability, and legacy. As AEW continues to carve its niche in the wrestling landscape, fans can look forward to more such insights that peel back the curtain on the business side of their favorite sport.
Wrestling, for many, is a blend of athleticism, storytelling, and sheer entertainment. But behind the scenes, it’s a world of strategic decisions, business acquisitions, and brand management. Tony Khan, the visionary behind AEW, recently shed light on some of these aspects, offering fans a glimpse into the intricate workings of the wrestling business.
In 2018, the wrestling community was abuzz with “All In,” an event celebrated as the largest independent wrestling show. Spearheaded by industry stalwarts like Cody Rhodes and the Young Bucks, and in collaboration with ROH and NJPW, this event packed the Sears Centre Arena with over 11,000 ardent fans. Five years later, AEW’s “All In” event at the iconic Wembley Stadium drew a staggering crowd of over 81,000 enthusiasts, marking a significant milestone in AEW’s journey.
While being a massive success, the original “All In” event was intricately tied with ROH, as they were instrumental in producing it. This connection became even more significant when Tony Khan acquired ROH in 2022. This acquisition wasn’t just about adding another wrestling promotion under the AEW umbrella but also securing valuable assets. As Khan pointed out, the revenue from the Wembley Stadium event was manifold compared to the entire cost of acquiring ROH. In his words, it was “quite a steal.”
AEW’s establishment in 2019 saw the birth of “AEW All Out.” While many saw it as a continuation of the “All In” legacy, there was more to the name than met the eye. Khan candidly shared that the choice of “All Out” was a strategic move to avoid potential legal entanglements with ROH over the “All In” name. Now, with both names under AEW’s banner, the promotion has a broader narrative canvas to paint on.
Tony Khan’s revelations underscore the importance of business acumen in the world of professional wrestling. It’s not just about the in-ring action; it’s about making decisions that ensure the brand’s growth, sustainability, and legacy. As AEW continues to carve its niche in the wrestling landscape, fans can look forward to more such insights that peel back the curtain on the business side of their favorite sport.
