Tony Khan Names Jon Moxley as AEW’s Modern-Day Harley Race

Tony Khan isn’t shy about giving props to AEW’s locker room leaders—and when asked which current star best represents the legendary Harley Race, the AEW President didn’t hesitate to name Jon Moxley.

While speaking with Conrad Thompson ahead of AEW WrestleDream in St. Louis—a city forever linked to Harley Race’s legacy—Khan was asked to name AEW’s version of the late legend. Without skipping a beat, he pointed to the former AEW World Champion and Death Rider enforcer.

“Yeah, it is Jon Moxley,” Khan responded. “He’s won the most championships. He’s traveled the world. He’s a hardened veteran. He’s from the Midwest. And he’s a straight shooter and he’s a great person who’s respected by his peers, who takes no gruff, and is so respected as a pro wrestling veteran.”

Khan went further, drawing a direct connection between Moxley’s matches and the brutal, no-nonsense style Harley Race was known for—particularly in Japan.

“Many times in Jon Moxley’s matches, I’ve observed, it was like watching a great Harley Race match—or even some of Harley Race’s great matches in Japan remind me of some of the great Jon Moxley matches.”

But Khan was clear: while Moxley has shades of Race, he’s also built something entirely original.

“There’s a lot of great influences and great wrestlers that contribute to what Jon Moxley is—but he’s also an incredible, very unique personality in the world of pro wrestling. I think it’s really cool that he draws comparisons to such a great champion like Harley Race.”

With AEW WrestleDream taking place in Race’s old stomping grounds, the tribute hits harder—and Moxley’s ongoing presence as AEW’s battle-tested backbone shows no signs of slowing down.

Jon Moxley may not wear a crown, but in the eyes of Tony Khan, he carries the same weight and legacy Harley Race did for generations.

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.