Tony Khan Addresses Backlash After Comparing WWE to Harvey Weinstein

During the recent NFL Draft, Tony Khan made headlines with his controversial remarks, emphasizing that AEW is the premier destination for wrestling talent. Khan’s comments aimed to remind fans that AEW is a place where the best wrestlers compete and he has now addressed the backlash after his comments.

Tony Khan made headlines with a bold comparison at the NFL Draft, where he acknowledged WWE’s dominant position in the wrestling industry by referring to AEW as the “Pepsi” of professional wrestling. This metaphor alludes to Pepsi’s status as a strong competitor in the soft drink market while recognizing Coca-Cola’s larger market share—akin to AEW’s relationship with WWE.

However, Khan’s comments took controversial turn when he compared WWE to Harvey Weinstein, the disgraced Hollywood executive notorious for his numerous scandals and criminal convictions related to sexual misconduct.

“AEW, we’ve been doing this for five years, we are the most successful sports start-up since the AFL, pre-merger. There has not been a challenger brand that has gained as much market share as AEW in many many years. We are like the Pepsi of pro wrestling. We’re up against an evil juggernaut. WWE is our competitor, that’s who we’re facing. AEW, like the Pepsi of pro wrestling. WWE is like the Harvey Weinstein of pro wrestling. I’m really proud of what we do down here.”

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Tony Khan’s comment, comparing WWE to Harvey Weinstein, sparked a strong reaction among wrestling fans. Some felt the comparison was justified given the allegations of misconduct against former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, who resigned in January 2023 following a series of investigations. Others found Khan’s remark offensive, arguing that it trivialized the experiences of Weinstein’s victims and that he was using their suffering to fuel his rivalry with WWE.

In a recent interview with TMZ Sports’ Dean ‘Mojo’ Muhtadi, Khan addressed the backlash to his comments, focusing on his commitment to promoting AEW as a top wrestling organization:

“I think it is important to say that I think AEW is the best wrestling company in the world in many ways. I think that we have the best wrestlers, the best matches, we’ve been putting on the best shows.”

WWE’s reaction to Tony Khan’s comments were also revealed. Eric Bischoff also slammed Tony Khan for his Harvey Weinstein remarks. Regardless, Khan had a goal in mind with his remarks and he likely achieved that particular goal.

Do you feel Tony Khan shouldn’t have made those comments in the first place? Let us know in the comments section below!