Anthony Ogogo Recalls First Meeting With Tony Khan and Signing With AEW

Anthony Ogogo has shared details about how his relationship with Tony Khan began, explaining that their first meeting led directly to his signing with All Elite Wrestling. The conversation took place just before AEW’s early events, including Double or Nothing.

Speaking to ITR Wrestling, Ogogo, a former Olympic boxer, said the introduction came through Diamond Dallas Page, who has a personal connection to his family. He was also in contact with Cody Rhodes during that period, which helped with the meeting. Ogogo traveled to London, where he met Khan during a football match between Fulham and Newcastle.

According to Ogogo, the discussion focused on his interest in transitioning into professional wrestling. He said Khan expressed strong enthusiasm for the industry and outlined his plans for AEW as an alternative platform for talent. By the end of the meeting, Ogogo was offered a contract.

“I am very close to DDP, he is my daughter’s godfather and he introduced me to Cody, AEW had just been formed. I met him in March and they announced it in January. I told Cody the story, the Olympics, my eye injury, my mother not being well at the start of the Games [Olympics]. Cody was like ‘Damn, that’s a good story, you’re an athlete, you look good, you have pedigree, and one of the best boxers on the planet. Cody spoke to Tony Khan, I flew to meet Tony Khan, again before the first Double or Nothing show, it was only a few days before. It was final game of the season, Fulham vs Newcastle, Tony invited me to the box, I sat the whole game with Tony Khan, watching the game and talking pro wrestling. Had the most amazing afternoon, and he said listen I have got this for you and then offered me a contract. It was a wonderful day. He loves pro wrestling, and he’s a really nice man. He’s been so pivotal to the wrestling industry, because I am now living a dream because of his vision of AEW. Hundreds of wrestlers have wrestled for AEW and got to live out their childhood dreams because there’s another place to go to now.”

He also recalled a later interaction in 2022, when he visited Khan shortly before attending a family funeral. Ogogo said Khan was visibly emotional upon hearing the news and encouraged him to take time away from wrestling commitments to focus on personal matters.

“A few years ago, in 2022, my grandmother passed away, and I was going to the funeral. and I dropped by his office, and I said, I wasn’t missing anything, there were a few days in between, so I said, ‘Hey Tony, I’m going to shoot back to my Nan’s funeral and I’ll be back for Saturday or Wednesday and he had tears for me. He got emotional for me. And she passed away maybe three or four days before and of course it was very very sad, but by that point the emotion had gone a little bit and he teared up for me that I lost my grandmother. He said, ‘Go take the time you want and just be there for your family.’”

Throughout his time with AEW, Ogogo has balanced his athletic background with in-ring development. He has also spoken about overcoming challenges, including injuries sustained during his boxing career.

I took my talents to the commentary desk last night on #AEWCollision.

‘The gift of gab!’

Looking forward to seeing the ratings spike.

Ogogo = Ratings.
The Guv’nor Effect 💰. pic.twitter.com/KH4230Z3Y0

— Anthony Ogogo (@AnthonyOgogo) April 14, 2024