A former WWE star has taken issue with fans over criticism of Tony Khan.
In recent weeks, Rey Fenix has been in the spotlight after AEW added injury time to his contract, preventing him from joining Penta as he made his WWE debut on Raw. The latest indication of the deterioration in the relationship between the two sides came when AEW removed Fenix’s merchandise from their online store.
Now, Tom Pestock – formerly WWE’s Baron Corbin – has joined the debate on Tony Khan’s treatment of Fenix. Responding to calls on social media for Fenix to be released from his contract, Pestock argued that the former International Champion knew the terms of his contract when he signed it, and Khan held up his end by paying the star while he was injured.
“If you sign a contract you honor it. Would it have been okay if Tony didn’t pay him while he was hurt or out of action? The answer is no bc Tony signed the contract as well. You can’t switch teams after getting what you want and signing the contract.”
If you sign a contract you honor it. Would it have been okay if Tony didn’t pay him while he was hurt or out of action? The answer is no bc Tony signed the contract as well. You can’t switch teams after getting what you want and signing the contract.
— Tom (@TomPestock) January 19, 2025
Responding to another user, Pestock explained that injury time is a standard part of contracts in all promotions. He also pointed out that only Khan and Fenix know the truth about the situation.
“Everyone who gets hurt gets injury time. Doesn’t matter if it’s WWE, AEW, or TNA. That’s part of it.
And maybe fénix doesn’t want to work. Only him and Tony know that”
Everyone who gets hurt gets injury time. Doesn’t matter if it’s WWE AEW or TNA
That’s part of it.
And maybe fénix doesn’t want to work. Only him and Tony know that
— Tom (@TomPestock) January 19, 2025
When asked about the removal of Fenix’s merchandise from the AEW Shop website, Pestock made the case that the star was “free to sell his own.”
Tony Khan Praises New AEW Signings
While there is debate over his treatment of longtime star Rey Fenix, Khan has praised new AEW signings, Marshall and Ross Von Erich. Khan said the young stars are already “great wrestlers” and believes they have found a great mentor in Dustin Rhodes.
After Collision, Tony Khan thanked Christopher Daniels as the veteran star begins his in-ring retirement.