Charly Arnolt discusses her history and friendship with Tony Khan.
Arnolt, formerly known as Charly Caruso, previously worked for WWE as an on-screen personality for several years. She announced her departure from the company in March 2021 and joined ESPN full-time. Arnolt left ESPN and joined OutKick in April 2023.
Speaking with Jim Varsallone of the Miami Herald, Arnolt was asked whether it would be safe to say that she may not have ended up in WWE if she didn't know Tony Khan, She described how that connection helped her wind up in WWE, even if the outcome wasn't necessarily intended. Arnolt referenced the time Khan invited her to a WWE SmackDown show in 2016, which led to her joining the company. Arnolt also noted that Khan has expressed some interest in being on her show on OutKick.
“Yeah, absolutely. I don’t think I would have ended up in WWE because it was never on my radar. It was never on my radar to apply to WWE. I was a fan in middle school, but I hadn’t been a fan sense. I was born in the traditional sports world, and that was the route I intended to go down. I simultaneously had a job offer to be a news anchor in Washington D.C. at a FOX-owned-and-operated station there. I happened to also then get a job offer from WWE after the introduction. I made the introduction through the time I was backstage with Tony. So yeah, the way that happened was not intended, but it was a great opportunity. I’m so thankful to have had it. In fact, Tony, since I got the job at OutKick, has already reached out to me and said he wants to be a guest on the show that’s launching this fall. So Tony is still a very close friend of mine, and love him to death," Arnolt said.
When asked whether she ever had any discussions about going to AEW, Arnolt noted that she felt like Tony Khan always left that door open. She explained that she didn't have the ability to do many external projects while she was with ESPN, but those opportunities could be possible now. However, Arnolt also stated that WWE's deal with Endeavor could be a factor, as she currently works for UFC.
"Oh yeah, absolutely. I think Tony has always left the door open there. I’ve been very just, and ESPN wasn’t so keen on letting me do other opportunities while I was under their roof. So yeah, potentially now. But then there’s also the idea of Endeavor, who owns UFC, who I already work for, now owns WWE. So listen, I wouldn’t be surprised to see some type of crossover happening with another wrestling company down the road. Who’s to say, right?" Arnolt said.
Arnolt previously discussed her departure from WWE. Check out her comments here.
Click here to see what Arnolt had to say about how her broadcast capabilities in WWE were limited.
Check out Arnolt's comments about her storyline with Angel Garza here.
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