Tony Khan has named a new group of four pillars for AEW.
When AEW launched in 2019, MJF, Sammy Guevara, Darby Allin, and “Jungle” Jack Perry were dubbed the company’s four pillars, a nod to their youth and homegrown rise within the promotion. The concept eventually became a full-fledged storyline that played out on television heading into Double or Nothing 2023.
In the years since, fans have debated who AEW’s current or next pillars might be. Speaking with Joshua Godwin of Q93, Khan offered his own answer, pointing to talent the company has signed in recent years. “Thekla, Kevin Knight, Kyle Fletcher and Mercedes Mone,” Khan said.
All four have already enjoyed significant success in AEW. Thekla is the reigning AEW Women’s World Champion, while Kevin Knight currently holds the AEW TNT Championship. Kyle Fletcher is a two-time former TNT Champion, and Mercedes Mone is a former TBS Champion who has collected titles across multiple promotions.
Notably, all four are featured at this weekend’s Forbidden Door. Thekla defends her Women’s World Championship against Starlight Kid, Knight, and Fletcher are part of the Don Callis Family’s 12-man steel cage match, and Mone competes in the Owen Hart Foundation Women’s Tournament final.
These are the new AEW pillars – straight from Tony Khan.
Full interview dropping on YouTube this Wednesday!#Q93 #MorningQCrew #AEW #TonyKhan @q93alexandria @AEW @TonyKhan pic.twitter.com/koLbrrkJIf
— Joshua Godwin (@joshagodwin) June 23, 2026
