On the Something to Wrestle podcast, JBL weighed in on the recent online discussion surrounding AEW President Tony Khan. Host Conrad Thompson, who was in St. Louis for an AEW event, explained that he had asked Khan in a media interview to name the “Harley Race” of the AEW locker room, to which Khan replied, “Jon Moxley”.
@wrestlingnewsco Tony Khan is reminded of Harley Race when he watches Jon Moxley wrestle. #aew #prowrestling #AEWDynamite
The comparison drew some criticism online, but JBL defended Khan’s response as the correct move for a promoter. “No, I don’t think so. You ask him a question. What’s he going to say? He’s got to give you an answer, and he’s got to give you an answer out of somebody on his roster,” JBL stated. “So what’s he going to do? He’s going to put over one of his boys. So I have no issue with it”.
JBL clarified that while he personally doesn’t see a direct parallel, he understands the context of the question and answer. “I don’t see the association that close of Harley Race and John Moxley is a great talent. Harley is one of these legendary guys,” he said. “But I think when you take the context of what it was said, you ask him a question, he had to answer it with somebody from his roster, and he gave you an answer putting over one of his boys”.
He also took a moment to address those who were critical of Khan’s comment. “Give me a freaking break. You know, people love acting like they’re cerebral by being negative… it makes you appear smart. And then you get to say something and be snide and derisive and all that,” JBL said. He concluded, “That’s what promoters do. That’s what promoters should do. They stick up for their guys.”
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article, please credit Something to Wrestle with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription. Fans can listen to the full episode on podcast platforms.
