Tony Khan on AEW Big Business: ‘I will not disappoint the fans’

  • Ian Carey
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Tony Khan does not plan on disappointing fans tonight.

The AEW president spoke to TV Insider ahead of AEW Big Business at Boston’s TD Garden. With rumors that Mercedes Mone could debut on the show, Khan was asked if fans can expect any new talent to show up tonight. He responded:

Of course. I promise I will not disappoint the fans tonight. There has been an influx of huge names, and tonight is the biggest show yet.

Khan continued:

When we launched AEW, it was the first time in many years that so many resources and such a strong roster of wrestlers have come together to form a new challenger promotion. After five years, AEW is now stronger than ever before. Our roster continues to get deeper and better. This has become a popular destination that top stars seek out. This is the perfect time to continue expanding and growing. That is what tonight is all about. AEW Big Business. With such a strong group of wrestlers in AEW today, we’ve come so far from the beginning of 2019.

Now we have what I believe is the best roster in pro wrestling today. There are still so many great stars out there we are always looking to add and strengthen the group. I think we will continue to try to strengthen whenever we can add someone’s skills to make AEW better. I think that constant innovation and the perpetual strides toward always wanting to get better are a big part of the spirit of AEW. I think tonight’s Big Business show on TBS will showcase that innovation and fighting spirit.

Khan was also asked about Kevin Kelly’s status with the company. Kelly was removed from the roster page recently, did not work last week’s episode of Collision, and PW Torch reported he has been fired by the company. 

Khan responded to the question:

I prefer not to comment on that, but I appreciate you asking.

Khan also addressed the criticism Darby Allin’s glass-shattering spot at Revolution has received. He noted that Allin always has a safe way to pull off such spots. 

Khan said:

It has to be something safe. Whenever a wrestler comes in and wants to try something, especially dangerous, I just want to know that there is a safe way to do it. Darby Allin, every time, he has ever had an idea for a wild highsport or a crazy move, he has had a rationale and plan. Darby doesn’t take these things lightly.

Nobody would have attempted the amount of crazy, wild, death-defying stunts Darby has done in his tenure and made it this far unless they are a methodical, organized planner. In Darby’s case, he is fanatical about finding a way to pull off the impossible and do these incredible, seemingly death-defying stunts. He always finds a safe way to pull them off. He always has a rationale for why he is able to do it. That’s what impresses me, the way Darby plans his matches and his biggest moves.

AEW Big Business takes place tonight at the TD Garden in Boston. The announced lineup for the show is below. 

  • Mercedes Mone’s AEW debut is expected
  • AEW World Champion Samoa Joe defends against Wardlow
  • Darby Allin vs. Jay White
  • The Elite (Kazuchika Okada, Matthew & Nicholas Jackson) vs. Eddie Kingston, PAC, and Penta El Zero Miedo
  • Hook & Chris Jericho vs. The Gates of Agony (Bishop Kaun & Toa LIona)
  • Willow Nightingale vs. Riho