As was noted earlier, WWE CEO Nick Khan appeared on Bill Simmons’ podcast to talk about the WWE sale talks, Vince McMahon, AEW, and other topics.
Simmons asked Khan if he sees AEW as a real competitor to WWE.
Khan said, “Well how do you think they’re doing now? Simmons responded, “Not as well although I think they are having a better 2023 than 2022.”
Khan continued, “I think a couple of things. I’ve never met the kid Tony Khan, seems like a nice kid to me. I don’t know him. I have met his dad who randomly I sat next to at some sports business luncheon that Stephanie and I went to a year and a half or so.”
Nick praised Shad Khan for being a self-made billionaire and added that he is very impressed with him. Nick said, “I could not be more impressed with the dad. He made his money in the auto parts business, I believe. So he knows that inside out. I don’t believe he’s involved on the wrestling side of the business, outside of financing it. He has the pockets and that’s awesome and I’m sure his kid appreciates it. I was never threatened by that. I tend not to be threatened. I don’t feel threatened by anyone on anything…”
Khan added, “I don’t care what anyone else is doing. I care what we’re doing. As long as we can have the best product on with the best talent and the best writers, I think we’re gonna be in good shape.”
Khan also said the following, “Anyone can run a business at a loss. that’s easy as long as someone continues to finance it.” Simmons asked if he was talking about AEW. Khan responded, “I don’t know their books. I haven’t seen their books. I know our books which are public. We’re off the highest grossing revenue in 2022, the highest profitability in 2022. [Those are] other big factors on why Vince wants to explore a potential alternative now.”
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit The Bill Simmons podcast with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
Click below for the full interview.
