Summary

Ric Flair had strong praise for AEW president Tony Khan while speaking with Ariel Helwani, and he took it a step further by saying he would not be shocked if Khan one day had the financial power to buy WWE.

Flair framed that around the Khan family's wealth, specifically pointing to Shad Khan, and he also used the moment to praise Tony Khan for creating opportunities for wrestlers outside WWE's highly selective system.

The Hall of Famer has stayed part of the wrestling conversation lately, including when Charlotte Flair opened up about early Ric Flair comparisons, but this time his comments were aimed squarely at AEW's owner and his place in the industry.

Quote from Ric Flair

Speaking with Ariel Helwani, Flair said:

"Tony Khan is one of the greatest people I've ever met in my life. And you know what? I wouldn't be surprised because he has the money to do it if he doesn't buy WWE one day. The Khan family's got more money than God. You know that, right?

"That $9 billion price on the WWE, it's nothing to Shad Khan. But more than that, Tony's provided an opportunity for guys that would never get a chance to work anywhere else because the WWE is a very difficult, very selective organization.

"And Tony has offered all these opportunities, and he pays the guys good. And all he, all he cares about is making a product and making sure his people are happy. He's a very personable guy."

What Flair's Tony Khan comments say about AEW

Flair's comments reinforce Tony Khan's standing as more than just the head of a rival promotion, because he described Khan as someone with major financial backing and real influence in wrestling's bigger business picture.

Just as important, Flair tied that power to AEW's role in the market. His point about wrestlers getting chances outside WWE speaks to why AEW still matters as an alternative destination for talent, even when the comment about buying WWE reads more like admiration than a literal prediction.

Sources

Ric Flair while speaking with Ariel Helwani