Tony Khan Had ‘Reservations’ About Cody Rhodes’ Idea To Never Challenge For AEW World Title

Tony Khan says that he initially had “reservations” about Cody Rhodes’ idea to put his ability to challenge for the AEW World Championship on the line. The stipulation was first used with Rhodes when he challenged Chris Jericho for the World Championship at Full Gear 2019, a match that Rhodes lost. As a result, he lost the ability to ever have a World Title match in the company again.

The stipulation has been used once more, when Hangman Page challenged MJF for the World Title at AEW Revolution 2026, and will be active for Kenny Omega’s shot at MJF on this week’s Beach Break episode of AEW Dynamite. Khan spoke about the unique stipulation during his appearance on Q101, noting that Rhodes came up with the idea and he had concerns.

“In the case of Cody, it was Cody’s idea to do that,” Khan said (per Fightful). “I did have some reservations about it at that time. He felt pretty strongly about it, and that’s how it came to be. I went along because I can see why he wanted to have that, and it would certainly build unpredictability around the event. It did add intrigue, and that was a great show and a great match.”

He continued, “The aftermath did create challenges. Not long after that, the pandemic hit, and I had the idea for the TNT Championship, and I think Cody was great as the TNT champion, to be the first champion and defending the title on TV. I did have reservations about [him not getting a world title shot], but it was something he felt pretty strongly about, so I went along with it.”

AEW Dynamite will take place at The BayCare Sound in Clearwater Beach, Florida, and airs live on TBS and HBO Max.