Tony Khan has addressed allegations against Chris Jericho which have surfaced online.
In recent days, allegations have come to light involving Chris Jericho and former AEW star Kylie Rae. Rae was part of the company during its first year but asked for her release ahead of All Out 2019, prompting speculation on why she had decided to leave.
Jericho recently became involved in a social media spat with CM Punk’s lawyer Stephen P. New, where Jericho claimed that, unlike others present, he had not signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) following the brawl that took place between Punk, The Elite, and others following All Out 2022.
This led to Nick Hausman of Haus Of Wrestling questioning if Jericho himself had made others sign NDAs. Hausman followed up on his Rumor & Innuendo podcast, claiming there were issues with Jericho backstage in AEW and implying a similarity with disgraced movie producer Harvey Weinstein.
Following the release of the podcast, a social media post resurfaced that alleged there was an incident ahead of Kylie Rae’s departure where she was asked to go to Jericho’s room only for him to “make a pass at her.” This was followed up with another old post implying more accusations against Jericho.
After being made aware of the post, Kylie Rae replied with a heart emoji.
❤️
— KYLIE RAE (@IamKylieRae) December 30, 2023
Tony Khan Addresses Chris Jericho Allegations
With the allegations against Jericho going viral on social media, it was no surprise that Tony Khan was asked several questions about the situation at the AEW Worlds End media scrum.
Kevin McElvaney of PWI questioned how AEW combats safety concerns around alleged sexual harassment in the past and going forward.
“I think it applies to everyone in the company, women and men, and it’s something we’re very serious about and we’ve had a policy in place and certainly, anytime there is anything like that, we would make sure we do everything we can to prevent it.
“AEW has the best safety record, I believe, of any pro wrestling company in the world. I believe we have the most safe environment. I believe we have the best safety record of any pro wrestling company, and I would hold the record of AEW on safety against any wrestling company in the world and I think AEW is the safest place for pro wrestling. If any of our wrestlers ever have a concern, they always have an open line to talk to me and I believe anybody would sit here and tell you, they always can talk to me anytime they are concerned about anything.
“If there was anything that came to light to me, I would take it to the disciplinary committee and that’s how we’ve been doing it. Our disciplinary committee has been doing a great job and everybody knows they have an open line to me or anybody on that committee.”
Later, Phil Strum of USA Today asked specifically whether Chris Jericho was currently, or had been at any time “under any internal investigation for sexual misconduct or any other type of misconduct” during his time in AEW.
“I can’t speak to internet and unsourced rumors. I spoke earlier to Kevin and mentioned the policy we have in place and the disciplinary process.
“We’ve always followed that and I believe is the safest wrestling company in the world and we have the best track record for safety, and I would hold it up to anybody and anytime anybody has any kind of a complaint, they have an open door to say it to me or anyone in the office and we would look into it, anytime.”
With serious allegations now directed at Vince McMahon, Tony Khan has commented.
H/T to Fightful for the above transcription.