Tony Khan Believes WWE Intentionally Counterprograms AEW, Says It’s ‘Okay’

Tony Khan is of the belief that WWE intentionally counterprograms AEW, but he says it doesn’t bother him at all. WWE has gained attention for running WWE events, usually NXT, opposite AEW events in 2025. That included the debut WWE Wrestlepalooza running opposite AEW All Out.

Khan was asked about the matter in his appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show. He noted that he does believe it’s on purpose but that it’s just part of the wrestling business. You can see the highlights below:

On Being Counterprogrammed By WWE:

“I do think it is done on purpose. And I understand it, and it’s part of wrestling. I think we’ve seen a lot of it, but I think other promotions that have been the challenger brand in our lifetime have seen a lot of it. Jim Crockett Promotions, which was the forerunner to WCW, saw a lot of this. And Jim Crockett Promotions ended up having to sell the company to Ted Turner, who then made a great run…

“So it’s interesting, because as a challenger wrestling promotion, you’ve got a great opportunity. But it’s really hard, it involves tons of investment to build up to be a true strong challenger. And that’s why we took the risk with AEW when we did. I do think that we’ve seen that kind of counter programming in those things. And I understand, and looking back at wrestling history, kind of expect that.”

On Whether It Bothers Him:

“I think it’s okay. Because for us, it’s always worked out and we’re in a great position. So it has never been a thing where it’s cost us anything. And when you do something like AEW All In Texas where we do the show in the afternoon, it really worked out for us great. And it was one of the best days in company history.”

On Not Taking It Personally:

“No… it’s very interesting, I think that it’s something that’s a part of the wrestling business. And I definitely don’t take it personally. I think it’s no more personal to me than it was to Jim Crockett or — maybe less so than it was with Ted Turner, or similar amounts as with Ted Tuner.

“But definitely, all of us have seen that kind of counter programming and could speak to that. And certainly with AEW, I’m proud that we continue to run strong and be that great challenger brand in pro wrestling. AEW is where the best wrestle, I really believe that.”

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit The Ariel Helwani Show with a h/t to 411mania.com for the transcription.