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All Elite Wrestling is the hot new topic right now and fans are optimistic that for the first time in years, there can potentially be a competitor for WWE. The company made some big announcements recently, including the signing of one Chris Jericho and Pac (Neville). But who is the man bankrolling this ambitious promotion? Let's meet the gentleman in charge.
Tony Khan has stormed into the world of professional wrestling and is determined to change it for good. He's the son of Shad Khan, an eminent businessman known for his sporting endeavours. Thankfully, he's also a wrestling fan!
With Cody and The Young Bucks for guidance, what does the future hold for All Elite Wrestling? Will it actually prove to be an alternative to WWE in the weeks that follow?
That may be a question that gets answered in the coming weeks, but let's find out about the man in charge here.
#5 His father is the 217th wealthiest man in the world, valued at USD 6.4 billion
Tony Khan is not the only member of his family who's spearheading the AEW business. His father Shahid 'Shad' Khan is the primary sponsor for the venture, and the Pakistani-American billionaire has quite an astounding story of his own. Let's take a look at the legendary businessman.
Shad Khan was born in Pakistan and moved to the United States in 1967. He had humble beginnings in the country, washing dishes to earn a living. Khan then started working at an automotive company called Flex-N-Gate, ultimately rising up the ranks and acquiring it.
Khan would then make a foray into the sporting world and earn his stripes there. He was on the cover of Forbes in 2012 and associated with what we've come to know as 'The American Dream'.
#4 He is associated with the Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are an American Football team based out of Jacksonville, Florida. They compete in the NFL and have won division championships in 1998, 1999 and 2017. The team used to be owned by Wayne Weaver until 2011 when it was purchased by Shad Khan.
As one would expect, the apple does not fall far from the tree. Tony Khan is very much involved in this team as the Senior Vice President of football administration and technology. It is easy to see that Khan has interests that span well beyond the professional wrestling ring.
I suppose that his experience in the world of football will help him lead All Elite Wrestling with a steady head on his shoulders. The team was purchased by Shad Khan at a value of $770 million.
#3 He is closely associated with Fulham F.C.
Shad Khan is the chairman for Fulham F.C., a football club that plays in the Premier League. He assumed control of the club in 2013 and has been in charge ever since.
Tony Khan also serves as a member of the team, helping them out in their quest to win through the use of analytics. His position within the company is that of Vice Chairman and Director of Football Operations.
In a nutshell, his job entails identifying and recruiting potential players to the team and getting them ready and primed to make a mark. Previously, his job had involved advising and assisting the players with the use of analytics, to help players realise their potential to the fullest.
Khan maintained that his AEW job would not interfere with his football commitments at all.
#2 He is a proud member of the Internet Wrestling Community
So we've looked at all of Khan's accomplishments and roles in non-scripted sports. Why does he want to shift his focus to All Elite Wrestling, when he's obviously got so many things going on right now? The simple answer is that he is a huge professional wrestling fan.
Tony Khan has been a lifelong fan of the art of scripted combat and is also known to be a close personal friend of The Young Bucks. Is it any wonder then that the great minds came together and decided to make a change together? Khan has, according to this report on Reddit, attended many live events in the past and is also a part of many wrestling forums.
It is a good sign indeed that Khan is, all said and done, a fan first. This bodes well for the promotion.
#1 Tony Khan has ventures beyond the sporting world too
And that's not all he does! In addition to everything I've mentioned thus far, Tony Khan is also very closely associated with Activist Artists Management, where he has made a substantial investment. The four aspects that the company focusses on are media, entertainment, hospitality and also, consumer products.
Moreover, he is also closely associated with the hospitality industry. His ventures include Four Seasons Toronto as well as the Virgin Hotels. The Khan family is a brand that has many profitable ventures.
One hopes that Tony Khan can lead All Elite Wrestling into the promised land so that the company can grow and become something that fans can eventually gravitate towards. They're already making waves and one assumes this is just the beginning.
Sportskeeda sends out the best of wishes to the visionary and the company that he's spearheading.
