Tony Khan, the driving force behind All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and heir to the Jacksonville Jaguars, has stirred controversy with his recent comments comparing WWE to disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein.
In a bold move to drum up attention for AEW, Khan, who was recently sidelined with an injury and sported a neck brace during a recent appearance on NFL Network, aimed at WWE, labeling it as “the Harvey Weinstein of pro wrestling.”
Tony Khan of the Jaguars took his pro-wrestling shtick to NFL Network, where he called WWE "the Harvey Weinstein of pro wrestling." https://t.co/EXUfdgX8Hl
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) April 27, 2024
The comparison directly references the allegations of sexual misconduct that have plagued both Weinstein and former WWE owner Vince McMahon.
“We’re up against a really evil juggernaut,” Khan remarked during the interview. “WWE is our competitor. That’s who we’re facing. AEW is like the Pepsi of pro wrestling. WWE is like the Harvey Weinstein of pro wrestling.”
These comments come at a critical time for AEW, as the promotion has been facing declining ratings. Khan’s attempt to generate buzz, albeit through controversial means, underscores the competitive landscape of the pro wrestling industry.
However, critics have been quick to condemn Khan’s remarks, accusing him of crossing a line in his efforts to draw attention to AEW. The comparison to Weinstein, a figure synonymous with sexual abuse and exploitation, has been particularly contentious.
Moreover, skepticism has arisen regarding the sincerity of Khan’s statements, with some viewing them as part of a scripted storyline rather than genuine commentary. Khan’s promise to reveal more information about his injury prognosis on the next AEW show further fuels this speculation.
