Add as a preferred source on Google Tony Khan recently commented on how AEW balances signing free agents with developing names who have been built within the company.
In an interview with Joshua Godwin of Q93, the AEW President was asked how he handles that process, especially at a time when the roster continues to add major names.
“We’ve got so many great wrestlers in AEW, and any time we can add a big star, I think it’s always something to look at. You always want to consider that.
“And we’re always trying to grow the roster, bring in more stars, and create more competition for the top spot.”
The comments came shortly after Khan named Thekla, Kevin Knight, Kyle Fletcher, and Mercedes Moné as some of AEW’s pillars among the talents who have arrived in the company in recent years.
This is not a new stance from Khan. In February, he said he is still “constantly” evaluating the free-agent market, even while trying to “create” new talent.
In December, Khan said 2025 was not a year focused only on major changes, but on adding names who could help what AEW was already doing, citing Kevin Knight, Speedball Bailey, and Thekla as examples.