Add as a preferred source on Google Paul Heyman has once again talked about AEW, this time taking a largely positive tone about Tony Khan’s company existing in the pro-wrestling market.
In a recent interview on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Heyman was asked whether the industry is in a better place since AEW launched. The WWE Hall of Famer did not give a definitive answer, but made it clear that he hopes that is the case.
The main point Heyman brought up was money. According to him, Tony Khan’s presence and major spending power directly changed the compensation packages offered to talent, especially compared to the landscape in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
Heyman also noted that AEW is on a viable network and has a style that is different from WWE’s, calling the company a real alternative in the market.
“They present an alternative, if not a competitive brand.”
Paul Heyman was asked if pro wrestling is in a better place now because AEW exists:
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) June 23, 2026
“I certainly hope so. I mean, it shortchanged the compensation packages for a lot of talent, because there was a wolf across the river named Tony Khan that had a billion dollar checkbook that he… pic.twitter.com/CqqAryYmiN
The comment carries even more weight because AEW renewed its deal with Warner Bros. Discovery in 2024, keeping Dynamite and Collision on TBS and TNT, while also bringing both shows to live streaming on Max beginning in January 2025.
However, Heyman also made a direct comparison between AEW and the old ECW, the company he ran in the 1990s. In his view, part of Tony Khan’s company identity carries a strong influence from what names like Rob Van Dam and Jerry Lynn were doing in 1999.
“I look at AEW and I realize the influence that ECW had on that product.”
Heyman also pointed to Jon Moxley as someone with traits similar to extreme ECW names such as Sandman and New Jack. Jerry Lynn currently works backstage in AEW, while Rob Van Dam has made a few appearances for the company.
To close, Heyman said he likes that there is an alternative for the audience, but made it clear that it also serves as fuel for WWE.
“Right now it’s just going to make us work harder.”