Tony Khan launched AEW in 2019 with a lineup of all-star Executive Vice Presidents. It was later revealed that the lifelong wrestling fan also had a high-profile lead investor: his father Shahid Khan. The Pakistani-American is worth $13.3 billion, according to Forbes, and is the 195th richest person in the world as of this writing, and the richest auto parts magnate.
In addition to co-owning AEW with his only son, Shahid owns automotive industry parts producer Flex-N-Gate, the Premier League’s Fulham Football Club, and the Jacksonville Jaguars of the NFL. The 74-year-old has made a few background appearances at AEW tapings, but made his on-screen debut during Dynamite on April 24, 2024 to check Tony’s condition after a brutal attack by The Elite. The Illinois native recently issued a statement on his in-ring future when asked about that night in 2024.
The AEW-ROH boss recently returned to one of his favorite platforms, The Rich Eisen Show, to promote Dynamite 300. The veteran sportscaster asked Tony if he’s had a “how do you like me now?” moment with his father, at any point in time. Khan said no, but Eisen pressed, and asked if there’s been one single moment such as that. The 42-year-old then confirmed his father’s support for All Elite Wrestling.
“No. No, and honestly he’s been so great, he’s been supporting this idea,” Tony Khan said.
Tony revealed in 2021 how his parents were hesitant to give him the initial $100 million to invest in AEW. However, Shahid eventually gave in because Tony was going to inherit the money some day, and knew he would “blow” this on a wrestling company.
Tony Khan Recalls Father Shahid Khan Changing Tune On AEW
Tony Khan is criticized for various reasons across the wrestling world these days, but many fans and industry insiders still have some sort of issue with how the son of a billionaire got into the business. On the latest episode of The Rich Eisen Show, Tony reiterated how his father and lead investor Shahid Khan is supportive of All Elite Wrestling these days.
Eisen laughed and continued, interrupting Khan to ask if he twisted his father’s arm just “a little bit” to get the AEW venture started. Tony went on to recall the scene at Christmas 2018 when the Khan family were planning for the future. He also told of how his father eventually came around, seeing AEW as one example of why parents should sometimes trust their kids.
“Yes, absolutely, and honestly… big time. I did famously twist his arm. To your point… Christmas 2018 was like a scene out of Succession, where I was saying we [the Khan family] need to make a big 8-figure investment, and invest millions of dollars in this. I had no guarantees, I didn’t even have the TV deal, we didn’t secure that until until months later, officially May of 2019, but I had been working on it. He [Shad Khan] later said, ‘This is a great example of why parents should sometimes trust their kids even when they don’t necessarily believe in the idea.’ You just got to have faith [shrugs shoulders],” Tony Khan said.
Eisen bills himself as The Best Dad Ever, and the nickname has stuck. After Khan’s comments on his father and AEW, others on-set joked with Eisen about being the greatest dad ever, Khan also chimed in and reminded Rich of his own nickname. The 35-year broadcasting veteran took one more swipe at the Khan to wrap the interview.
“I am [The Best Dad Ever], but I mean… I might have to move over for Shad if my kids ever ask me for a… a 10-figure idea or anything like that to, you know, partner up,” Rich Eisen said.