Tony Khan Was Interested in WWE Purchase - Says Pro Wrestling is Back

The industry of professional wrestling is back in full swing in 2023, according to AEW President Tony Khan.

2023 marks four years since Khan founded All Elite Wrestling in January 2019 which has been a hit with fans. It has also been just over a year since Khan announced his purchase of Ring of Honor in March 2022.

Last month, it was confirmed that WWE has agreed to be acquired by Endeavor for the hefty sum of $9.3 billion. Prior to the announcement, it was reported that Khan and his father Shahid had interest in making a bid for their chief competitor. Speaking to The Maggie & Perloff Show, Khan confirmed that he had been interested in buying the company.

Khan didn't go into much detail in regards to how close he got to reaching a deal but is keeping a close eye on the situation.

"It will be very interesting to see what happens with that sale. Certainly, in many ways, it's a big positive to the pro wrestling business."

The deal between WWE and Endeavor will result in a new company being formed, consisting of WWE and UFC. An SEC filing noted that the new company's name is currently New Whale Inc, though that is expected to change.

Both WWE and AEW have enjoyed success so far in 2023. For Khan, the much-anticipated All In event has blown records away, with 60,000 fans and counting securing tickets for the show. WWE is still rolling from their most successful WrestleMania last month, and have several big events lined up. In the interview, Khan argued that the success of his company is hard to ignore.

"The huge attendance numbers and TV and streaming numbers for pro wrestling and the great sales for AEW on PPV and all the big merchandising numbers show that pro wrestling is really back as an industry in many major ways in 2023 and AEW is a big part of the conversation. So, I think that's all been really positive for us."

AEW All In will take place on August 27, from Wembley Stadium, in London, England.