Ahead of Wednesday’s Everett show, Tony Khan said AEW is carrying strong momentum from what he called a standout 2025.
EVERETT, Wash. — Tony Khan told KING 5 that AEW’s Wednesday show in Everett will be a “huge night” featuring multiple title matches, a hometown spotlight for Darby Allin and Willow Nightingale’s return to the ring.
Khan is the CEO and founder of AEW. He’s also an executive with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Fulham FC, both owned by his father, Shahid Khan.
AEW Dynamite: Spring Break Thru is scheduled for April 15 at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett. The show starts at 4:30 p.m., with tickets available through Ticketmaster.
Khan said one of the marquee matches will feature world champion MJF defending the title against Allin, calling it a major moment for the hometown favorite.
Allin trained to be a professional wrestler in Everett, about 20 minutes from the venue.
“We’ll have the world champion, MJF, defending the title against the hometown hero, Darby Allin, who’s on a phenomenal winning streak,” Khan said.
He added that “that’s gonna be a lot of fun to see Darby Allin versus MJF 2.”
During the interview, Khan also reflected on how long he has been thinking about wrestling shows.
“I started writing a show called Dynamite, in message boards, and on dial-up Internet, and sending it to my friends,” he said. “I started doing that in 1995 when I was 12 years old, and it was called Saturday Night Dynamite.”
He said running a real wrestling company turned out to be far different from fantasy booking as a kid.
Khan compared it to “the difference between running a fantasy football team and running an actual football team,” saying ideas can be useful, but working with real people is much different.
Khan also described the kind of talent he wants in AEW.
“AEW is where the best wrestle,” he said. He said the company looks for skilled athletes who love wrestling, but also people who can contribute behind the scenes and be “good for the locker room.”
He said AEW’s recent momentum also came from lessons learned over time.
Recalling a shift in his approach, Khan said, “From now on… I will only trust my instincts. I will only execute the ideas that I believe in.”
He said bringing that mindset back helped AEW build a strong 2025 and carry that energy into 2026.
Wednesday’s show will also feature a TNT title match between Kevin Knight and Claudio Castagnoli.
“There’s never been a one-on-one match between Claudio and the Jet,” Khan said, adding, “I’m very excited for that match.”
Khan said the matchup brings together “two of the greatest athletes” and said “anything could happen” when they meet Wednesday.
Khan also said fans will see Nightingale back in action after an attack tied to Kamille’s return. He said Kamille has been away filming “American Gladiators” and that Nightingale is set to return Wednesday.
“The face of TBS is fighting on TBS this Wednesday night at Spring Break Thru,” Khan said.
Looking at the bigger picture, Khan said Wednesday’s event comes at an important time for AEW.
“Spring Break Thru represents the one year anniversary of AEW Wednesday Night Dynamite, becoming the longest running primetime pro wrestling show in the history of TBS and TNT,” he said.
Khan added, “It’s such an exciting time for AEW.”
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