Tony Khan Explains Why He Considers Jon Moxley ‘The Harley Race of AEW’

Speaking to Conrad Thompson for an interview to preview AEW WrestleDream, AEW President and CEO Tony Khan was asked by Thompson about who he views as the AEW equivalent of the late wrestling legend and WWE Hall of Famer, Harley Race. Of course, Khan agrees with Thompson that the answer is former AEW World Champion Jon Moxley as AEW’s answer to Harley Race.

During the interview, Tony Khan shared his thoughts on why Moxley is AEW’s equivalent to the late, great Harley Race. Below are some highlights:

Tony Khan on why Jon Moxley is the Harley Race of AEW:

“Yeah, it’s Jon Moxley. Yeah, Jon Moxley. He’s won the most championships. He’s traveled the world. He’s a hardened veteran. He’s from the Midwest, and he’s a straight shooter, and he’s a great person who’s respected by his peers, who takes no gruff and is so respected as a pro wrestling veteran. And actually, many times in Jon Moxley’s matches, I’ve observed it was like watching a great Harley Race match or even some of Harley Race’s great matches in Japan remind me of some of the great Jon Moxley matches.”

On the influences of Moxley that inspire comparisons to Race:

“So, there’s a lot of great influences and a lot of great wrestlers that contribute to Jon Moxley, but Jon Moxley’s also an incredible, very unique personality in the world of pro wrestling who I think it’s really cool that he draws comparisons to such a great champion like Harley Race.”

AEW star Jon Moxley faces his bitter rival, Darby Allin, in an I Quit Match later tonight at AEW WrestleDream 2025. Tonight’s show takes place at the Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis, Missouri.

The show will be broadcast live on pay-per-view. You can also check out 411’s roundtable preview of tonight’s WrestleDream event RIGHT HERE.

If using any of the above quotes, please credit Conrad Thompson, with a h/t to 411mania.com for the transcription.