AEW President and CEO Tony Khan recently emphasized the critical role that fan feedback plays in shaping the company’s direction, describing it as a primary driver for both him and the promotion.
In a recent interview with TMZ Sports, Khan elaborated on how he processes audience reactions.
“The fans are a huge, major influence on me personally and on AEW,” Khan stated. “I really believe in listening to fans, and the fans have been so positive about AEW in 2025. I think it’s the most positive it’s been in four years, maybe ever. Right now we’re having great trends. We’ve been able to grow viewership quarter over quarter, multiple quarters in a row.”
He explained that positive fan sentiment serves as a significant motivator.
“When the fan feedback is really positive, it feels good. I want to keep that going,” Khan continued. “It feels like people really like what’s happening in AEW this year, the conversation has been really good and I like hearing what the fans have to say, positive or any kind of feedback — especially if it’s constructive or anything you can use to make AEW better, that’s good for us.”
During the conversation, Khan also reflected on one of his favorite moments in the company’s history, highlighting the arrival of a wrestling legend.
“He’s one of my all-time favorite wrestlers. That’s one of my favorite moments,” Khan said, referring to Sting’s debut. “Also, when Sting and Darby Allin won the world tag team championships in Phoenix. Going into their final match as a team, and Sting’s final match as a pro wrestler. I think the greatest retirement send-off imaginable.”