Tony Khan names three people that have been key to AEW's recent success.
For the vast majority of 2022, All Elite Wrestling has been without a few different key stars throughout different time periods. Whether it's somebody like CM Punk, who missed nearly the entire summer due to a foot injury or somebody like Kenny Omega, who was out of action for the entirety of 2022 up until August, AEW has had many top stars missing weekly television at one point or another.
In a new interview with DAZN, Tony Khan revealed that he believes that three key stars have kept the company's momentum from faltering.
"I think Jon Moxley, the AEW world champion, and Chris Jericho have stepped up in a major way. I think a lot of fans would see they've both had an incredible run of matches, including against each other at Quake by the Lake in August. Since the Grand Slam tournament champions started, we've been on a great run. And I think they're leaders backstage. And I think Bryan Danielson also is a huge part of this. Moxley and Chris have been here from the very beginning, and Bryan stepped in and has been one of the most prominent people on the TV shows. So he's a huge part of it."
With all of the reported backstage turmoil, Khan also revealed that Jericho, Moxley, and Danielson have been key in helping out backstage.
"Backstage, I think they're all leaders and have helped us get through this period. Bryan was out for a while, and since Bryan came back, it's been some of the best TV we've done. I am grateful he's been a big part of it because it's been great to have Bryan in the shows. He's one of the best wrestlers in the world and he's also been in some of the best matches this year, including against both the people I just named, Jon Moxley, and Chris Jericho. So both on-screen and off-screen, I think they're just a hugely valuable presence in AEW."
When Khan was asked what he would do if those three individuals weren't at his disposal, he gave an interesting answer.
"I don't know. I think it'd be very challenging. If you looked at many teams, and took three players off of them, three of the most featured and productive players on the team, I think those teams would struggle. If you take (Larry) Bird, (Kevin) McHale and (Robert) Parish or Magic Johnson, Kareem (Abdul Jabbar) and (James) Worthy or (Michael) Jordan, (Scottie) Pippen and (Dennis) Rodman off (their) different sports teams (and) you took those three most productive players off. These (Moxley, Jericho, Danielson) are three of the most productive players on our team. A lot of great people contribute to the show, but they are three of the most important for sure."
Speaking of big stars, Khan revealed in a separate interview that he will address the in-ring status of Saraya sooner rather than later. To learn more, click here.
Fightful will have full coverage of both AEW Rampage and AEW Battle Of The Belts later tonight.
Special thanks to Dazn for the quotes.
