Tony Khan Reflects On AEW’s Status As a Challenger Brand, Praises WBD Partnership

Tony Khan says that in his vision, AEW still stands as a “challenger brand” to WWE considering the age disparity between the two companies. Khan has given AEW that label several times over the years, noting that the company exists in a position as a disrupter in the industry.

Khan spoke with The WHIP Show ahead of tonight’s AEW Dynamite and talked about how he feels the company is doing (to no surprise he thinks it’s doing great), plus more. You can see the highlights below:

On His Dad’s Initial Reaction To Launching AEW:

“My father has said on the record that he did not believe in the idea and he was not supportive of the idea originally, but he’s since become a huge believer in AEW, and he’s the reason I was able to launch this promotion and get it off the ground with his support.”

On AEW Being a ‘Challenger Brand’:

“You have to remember, the company is only about seven years old, and we’re a challenger brand… Doing that as a challenger company in any space can be a really hard thing, so I think AEW’s doing great thanks to the fans and the wrestlers.”

On AEW’s Partnership With Warner Bros. Discovery:

“That partnership is the lifeblood that makes AEW possible… HBO Max has brought AEW into streaming homes, and it’s the most exciting wrestling in my personal opinion in the entire world.”