2025 Proved AEW Is Thriving—And Why the Latest “XFL” Shade Misses the Mark
The wrestling internet in early 2026 is relentless: Tony Khan needs to delegate, hand off booking, step back—whatever it takes to “save” AEW’s potential.
Then Konnan drops his podcast bomb on January 4 (Keepin’ It 100), calling AEW the XFL to WWE’s NFL: a scrappy underdog that’s “probably never going to change” unless “something drastic” happens.
Headlines call it “brutal,” “embarrassing,” and predict Tony Khan would be furious. The pile-on is real.
But here’s the take nobody’s pushing right now: 2025 was AEW’s strongest, most accomplished year, Tony Khan’s focused hands-on booking (after fixing his “too collaborative” misstep) delivered real results, and the XFL comparison—while provocative—doesn’t hold up when you zoom in on the facts.
AEW isn’t a quick-fail experiment like the XFL reboots (one season in 2001, five weeks in 2020 before folding). It’s a seven-year-old, profitable, award-sweeping #2 that’s building sustainably and delivering elite wrestling.
Tony Khan Listened, Adapted—and Delivered
Khan admitted in late-2025 interviews (e.g., Sports Illustrated) that “too collaborative” led to diluted ideas. He switched back to solo outlines first, then targeted input from wrestlers. The result? He called 2025 AEW’s “best year of shows” start-to-finish—more consistent TV, stronger arcs, higher quality floors.
Fans felt it: The Continental Classic peaked, Hangman Adam Page’s redemption arc dominated headlines (ending with a massive title win over Jon Moxley at All In: Texas in a brutal Texas Death Match), “Timeless” Toni Storm owned the mic, and weekly shows felt locked-in.
2025 Awards Sweep: AEW Owned the Year
Sports Illustrated’s Pro Wrestling Awards (December 2025) proved it—A AEW took 10 wins, more than anyone, including Promotion of the Year over WWE. Key highlights:
Male Wrestler of the Year: Hangman Page
Female Wrestler of the Year: Mercedes Moné
Tag Team of the Year: FTR
Best in the Ring: Will Ospreay
Best on the Mic: “Timeless” Toni Storm
Breakout Wrestler: Kyle Fletcher
Storyline of the Year: Hangman’s Redemption Arc
Rivalry of the Year: Hangman vs. Swerve Strickland
Tony Khan’s reaction summed it up: “AEW received 10 awards… the whole AEW team + you AEW fans winning: Best Wrestling Promotion in the World in 2025.”
That’s journalist-voted recognition for in-ring excellence, storytelling, and overall impact—not insider fluff.
Business & Moments That Prove the Momentum
All In: Texas (July 2025): Record North American attendance (~28,000–29,000 at Globe Life Field), gate over $3 million (third-highest in AEW history), PPV buys estimated 175,000–185,000 (fourth-best ever). Hangman’s title win popped massive.
PPV consistency: Double or Nothing, Worlds End, and others ranked among 2025’s elite, with 4+ star matches, minimal duds, and strong payoffs (MJF reclaiming the world title at Worlds End closed the year electric).
Roster depth: Ospreay, Moné, Hangman, Toni, MJF, Swerve, Fletcher, plus CMLL/NJPW crossovers kept it fresh and high-level.
Financials: Profitable (~$60–75M estimates), renewed Warner Bros. Discovery deal, steady growth.
Sure, viewership held steady without exploding, some feuds dragged, and injuries hit hard (wrestling’s brutal reality). But AEW prioritized athletic, high-quality matches and character freedom—its DNA—while turning a profit and earning acclaim.
Rebutting the XFL Narrative: AEW Isn’t Failing—It’s Enduring
Konnan’s dig stings because the XFL crashed fast. But AEW has lasted since 2019 with no collapse, a loyal “sickos” fanbase, massive events (Wembley returns planned for 2026), and a roster that’s the industry’s envy. Tony Khan’s vision—pure wrestling, global ties, talent freedom—is what sets AEW apart.
The XFL failed in both its 2001 and 2020 iterations due to a combination of gimmicky entertainment over quality football.
Handing off booking now risks reintroducing the chaos he fixed, not unlocking more potential. The “drastic change” needed? AEW doesn’t have to dethrone WWE to succeed—it’s thriving as the authentic alternative. 2026 looks stacked with bigger crowds, fresh stories, and continued growth.
While the “Tony must step back” crowd dominates, 2025’s evidence shows his refined leadership is the unlock. AEW isn’t the XFL—it’s the rising force that’s here to stay, giving fans the wrestling they crave.
