Tony Khan explains origins of AEW-Impact relationship

Tony Khan explained the origins behind the recent relationship formed between AEW and Impact Wrestling.

On Renee Paquette’s Oral Sessions podcast, Khan said that it was Omega’s idea to begin the relationship.

“He asked me about it, and I love good ideas,” Khan explained. “This was something Kenny brought up that I thought was a great idea. I give 100 percent of the credit to Kenny.” 

Khan brought up the relationship that Callis and Omega have, noting that Omega has been a “very powerful advocate” for Callis, who has made appearances in AEW as a manager for Omega. Regarding Omega’s recent change in character, Khan compared it to Steve Austin’s run in 2001 as a heel, wanting to present something new.

“He just didn’t want to present the same Kenny Omega people have seen,” he explained. “He put so much thought into innovating and changing, and that’s why I always say the best wrestlers in the world, Kenny and Jon [Moxley] are the two.”

Khan also brought up his appearances with Tony Schiavone on recent episodes of Impact, saying the “paid ads” idea came up while he was backstage at the Impact tapings supporting Omega.

“While I was there, Tony Schiavone, who lives a couple of hours away, I said come hang out with me,” he said. “And I came up with the idea, why don’t we buy ads on Impact. It’s great. It promotes our show and it also keeps the storyline with them going.”

Omega most recently teamed up with The Good Brothers at this past weekend’s Hard to Kill event. His team defeated Rich Swann, Chris Sabin, and Moose, with AEW World champion Omega pinning Impact World champion Swann.