Why Tony Khan Cut THAT Promo On WWE's Nick Khan In 2021
What led to Tony Khan's promo on Nick Khan & WWE's attempt at hijacking the WWE/NJPW partnership.
May 2021 saw AEW founder Tony Khan cut a promo on WWE president and chief revenue officer Nick Khan. Referencing a Wrestling Observer Newsletter report stating that Nick had been in talks with New Japan Pro Wrestling over WWE potentially becoming NJPW's exclusive American partner, thus closing AEW's Forbidden Door, Tony called the WWE executive out by name.
Delivered two nights before AEW Double Or Nothing 2021, the promo suggested Tony had supreme confidence in the strength of the AEW/NJPW bond. "I think there's only room for one Khan in the wrestling business, Nick", he said, "and it's me, Tony Khan. It's not some conman from Connecticut. Have a fun show tonight, Nick. See you on Dynamite."
Ahead of tonight’s Live #AEWDynamite at 10pm ET/9pm CT, and #AEWDoN on ppv Sunday, AEW Owner/President @TonyKhan, aka the Forbidden Door, addressed rumors of a relationship between @WWE & @njpwglobal, + what this means to @AEW! Watch Dynamite tonight LIVE coming up on @TNTdrama! pic.twitter.com/atFTSrvyqZ
Advertisement— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 29, 2021
When asked about the promo during the post-Double Or Nothing 2021 press conference, Tony stated that NJPW effectively endorsed it.
Tony Khan says he asked New Japan Pro Wrestling if they thought it was a good idea for him to cut the promo on Nick Khan. He said they said yes. Plans more work with them. #AEW #DoubleOrNothing pic.twitter.com/gLoL5Ox1sE
Advertisement— Jon Alba (@JonAlba) May 31, 2021
Now, one year later, Sports Illustrated have revealed that beyond NJPW thinking the spiel was a good idea, the company encouraged Tony to deliver it. The market-leading puroresu group had already stressed to Tony that AEW, not WWE, was their priority, leading to the promo.
The AEW x NJPW partnership has since gone from strength to strength. On Sunday 26 June, the companies present their first co-promoted event, Forbidden Door, in Chicago, Illinois. NJPW president Takami Ohbari has stated that a follow-up may take place in Japan depending on the market for it.