Tony Khan Says Steve Austin Would Have Been Dream AEW Signing
AEW President Tony Khan has revealed the one wrestling legend he would have loved to bring into All Elite Wrestling during the peak of his career. Speaking in a recent interview with Z100 New York, Khan discussed a range of topics including plans for the 2025 Full Gear pay-per-view, Bryan Danielson’s world title run, and criticism from some fans who claim AEW lacks compelling storylines.
When asked which star from the past or present he would most like to have in AEW, Khan wasted no time in naming Steve Austin. Reflecting on the 1990s version of “The Texas Rattlesnake,” he described Austin as one of the greatest performers in wrestling history. Khan emphasized that having Austin throughout the entirety of the decade would have been a dream scenario for any promoter. He called Austin not only an all-time great in the ring but also a genuinely kind person.
Khan shared a personal memory of the WWE Hall of Famer, recalling how Austin invited him to appear on his show following AEW’s first-ever Double or Nothing event. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity and described himself as one of Austin’s biggest fans.
According to Khan, it would have been a privilege to work with Austin in any of his personas from the 1990s. Whether as Stunning Steve in WCW, Superstar Steve in USWA, The Ringmaster during his early WWE run, or the iconic Stone Cold character that defined an era, Khan believes every version of Austin brought something unique to the industry. He praised Austin’s ability to connect with audiences on an unmatched level, a quality that made him one of the most influential figures in professional wrestling.
Khan’s admiration for Austin comes as no surprise, given AEW’s emphasis on both athletic competition and storytelling. The AEW President has often spoken about his respect for wrestling history and his desire to blend established names with emerging talent. Bringing in a prime Steve Austin, in his view, would have been a perfect match for AEW’s vision of combining high-energy performances with strong character work.
In the same interview, Khan touched on other aspects of AEW’s ongoing narrative development. He defended the company’s approach to long-term storytelling, citing examples of feuds and title reigns that have evolved over months. He also discussed Jon Moxley’s run as AEW World Champion, noting how it helped elevate younger talent. Khan revealed that one of the wrestlers Moxley faced during his reign is currently sidelined with a long-term injury, although he did not disclose the name.
The idea of Steve Austin competing in AEW, even hypothetically, serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of one of wrestling’s most celebrated figures. While Austin has been retired from full-time competition for many years, his impact continues to be felt across the industry. His name remains synonymous with the Attitude Era, a period that reshaped the wrestling landscape and inspired many of today’s performers.
For Khan, imagining a world where AEW could have featured Austin during his prime is both a tribute to the legend’s greatness and a reflection of AEW’s ambition to showcase the best talent possible.