In a bombshell interview on The Coach and Bro Show, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) President and CEO Tony Khan dropped some major heat on World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), addressing topics ranging from Chris Jericho’s free agency status to a reported $6.9 billion bid to purchase the company.
Khan’s candid conversation with hosts Jonathan Coachman and Vince Russo spanned over an hour, offering a glimpse into the inner workings of AEW and the wrestling industry’s biggest players. One of the most significant revelations came when Khan addressed the status of the iconic wrestler Chris Jericho, who has been rumored to be a free agent since his contract with AEW expired in January.
According to Khan, Jericho is still on the table, but AEW is taking a wait-and-see approach before making any major moves. “Chris Jericho is someone we’ve always wanted to keep in our fold, but at the end of the day, we need to do what’s best for AEW,” Khan explained. “If Chris wants to come back, we’ll definitely consider it, but we can’t force the issue.”
The wrestling world has long been abuzz with speculation about Jericho’s future, with many wondering if he might make the jump to WWE, his former stomping ground. Khan’s comments seem to indicate that AEW is not panicking, but rather taking a measured approach to Jericho’s situation.
One of the most explosive revelations from the interview came when Khan addressed a reported $6.9 billion bid to purchase WWE. While Khan declined to confirm or deny the figure, he did reveal that AEW has indeed explored the possibility of acquiring the company. “We’ve looked into it, but at the end of the day, we’re not in a position to make a bid of that magnitude,” Khan said with a chuckle.
Sources close to Cody Rhodes, AEW’s EVP of Talent Relations, revealed that the company had indeed considered making a bid for WWE, but ultimately decided against it due to the significant financial and logistical hurdles. “Cody was always skeptical of the idea, but Tony was intrigued,” the source explained. “Ultimately, they decided it was too big a risk to take on.”
Khan also addressed a reported meeting between himself and WWE Executive Shane McMahon at an airport, which sparked widespread speculation about a potential deal between the two companies. According to Khan, the meeting was nothing more than a coincidence, with the two men simply running into each other in the airport terminal. “We exchanged pleasantries and talked about the business, but it was nothing more than a casual conversation,” Khan explained.
One of the most interesting aspects of the interview was Khan’s discussion of CM Punk’s media scrum, which took place earlier this year. Khan praised Punk’s performance, calling it “one of the most impressive media appearances I’ve ever seen.” When asked about the potential for Punk to return to AEW, Khan remained coy, saying only that “CM Punk is someone we’ve always wanted to work with again.”
The interview also touched on the ongoing controversy surrounding needles and other medical equipment found in AEW, which many have speculated could be a sign of a larger issue. Khan addressed the rumors head-on, saying that AEW takes the situation very seriously and is working closely with the relevant authorities to get to the bottom of it. “We’ve conducted our own internal investigation and are cooperating fully with the outside agencies,” Khan explained.
When asked about the potential for AEW to take action against those responsible, Khan remained tight-lipped, saying only that “we’ll do what’s best for the company and our employees.” According to a WWE insider, however, the situation is far more serious than AEW is letting on. “This is a huge issue, and it’s not just about the needles,” the insider revealed. “There are deeper concerns about the company’s handling of medical equipment and the potential risks to the performers.”
The wrestling world will be watching with bated breath as the situation continues to unfold. One thing is certain, however: Tony Khan’s scathing interview has sent shockwaves through the industry, and the implications will be felt for weeks to come.