On The Bill Simmons Podcast, WWE President Nick Khan discussed the company’s perspective on its position in the wrestling landscape and its view of competitor All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Despite WWE’s long-standing market dominance and recent financial growth under TKO Group Holdings, Khan asserted that the company cultivates an internal “underdog” mentality.
“We’re always the underdog at WWE,” Khan claimed. “We always feel that people underestimate us, that we are looked down upon, and we like it that way, like bet against us. We prefer that, and allow us to show you what we can do.”
He pointed to the company’s increased stock value as a measure of success achieved during his tenure. “If you look at the stock price now, it’s far in excess of what it was when we all started together five years ago, and we’re quite proud of that,” Khan stated, while also emphasizing the need for continued effort: “At the same time, we got to keep re-earning our keep on a daily basis here. So we feel like it’s a good moment, but we still feel like there’s a lot of room for growth.”
Regarding AEW, launched in 2019 as a prominent competitor, Khan acknowledged their roster’s strength. “In terms of the other wrestling promotional company, they have a lot of talented wrestlers, and we’re happy about that,” he said.
Khan also suggested WWE anticipates potentially signing talent currently under contract with AEW once they become available. “When contractually they’re available to be talked to and have conversations with, assume a number of them will come over,” he stated.
He concluded his thoughts on AEW with a respectful nod towards its ownership, Tony Khan and his father, Shad Khan (owner of the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars and Fulham F.C.). “[There is] nothing but respect for the father who finances it, and owns the Jaguars, and all those other things,” Khan finished.
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.
