AEW President Tony Khan speaks on WWE's counter programming, CM Punk exit, Edge being part of John Cena’s retirement run & more

Tony Khan cleared the air on WWE beef!

Tony Khan’s long-awaited second sit-down with Ariel Helwani arrived with far less chaos than their infamous first encounter, but no shortage of headline-worthy moments.

Across an interview that stretched close to 90 minutes, the AEW President addressed everything from WWE’s counter-programming strategies to CM Punk’s turbulent departure, while offering new insight on AEW’s current direction and future.

Khan appeared far more measured than the version fans remember from fiery past exchanges. This was a reflective, candid Tony Khan, comfortable navigating difficult topics without the defensiveness that once fueled online punchlines. And the result was a conversation that pulled back the curtain on the most consistent themes shaping AEW in 2025.

Tony Khan discusses AEW’s evolution, WWE competition and industry chatter

Early in the interview, Helwani highlighted AEW’s reliance on high-risk spots, prompting Khan to acknowledge concern for some of the more extreme moments.

He specifically pointed to Darby Allin’s fall through plate glass during Sting’s retirement match, calling it a spot that “went too far,” despite his admiration for Allin’s fearlessness.

It was one of several moments where Khan reinforced his belief that violence has a place in wrestling, but only when it enhances the story being told.

Helwani also pressed Khan on WWE’s increased counter-programming across premium live events and weekly television. Khan didn’t mince words about the long history behind those tactics, saying WWE’s approach never “cost us anything” and has “always worked out” for AEW. He also noted that WWE’s current collaborations with other promotions, including TNA, feel reminiscent of its past moves whenever a fresh challenger emerges.

When asked about critics who consistently target him online or on podcasts, Khan refused to bite. Instead, he said AEW simply “gives people a lot to talk about,” adding that consistent criticism often means the content is “doing great numbers for them.” He also made it clear he still respects figures like Eric Bischoff, revealing that the two have spoken more recently than fans may assume.

CM Punk exit, backstage fallout and Adam Copeland rumors addressed

Naturally, CM Punk and the events that led to his 2023 firing became a key section of the interview. Khan reiterated that he “didn’t necessarily agree with the description of how it all happened” but stressed that he wanted things to work. He revealed that during the launch of Collision, he actively tried to mend the relationship, saying, “I wish things had worked out between Punk and AEW.”

Khan firmly rejected the idea that Punk’s accusations of passive leadership were accurate, but he responded calmly, telling Helwani: “I don’t agree with that, but…everyone is entitled to their opinion, and that’s feedback.” He also denied that airing the infamous security footage on Dynamite was a response to Punk’s earlier interview on Helwani’s show, though he acknowledged, “It did a very strong number.”

Helwani later asked about the viral photo of Punk, Cody Rhodes, Jade Cargill, and Ricky Saints draped in WWE championships. Rather than bristle, Khan smiled, saying it reminded him of early AEW images like Jon Moxley posing with Cody Rhodes at Double or Nothing. It was another glimpse of a more composed TK appreciative, not bitter, about the movement of talent across major promotions.

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Khan also shut down rumors of Adam Copeland appearing as part of John Cena’s retirement run, stating that WWE “never reached out” and that Copeland remains a major part of AEW’s plans going forward.

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