History of Tony Khan in Timeline

Tony Khan is an American businessman and sports executive, notably the founder, co-owner, president, CEO, general manager, executive producer, and head of creative for All Elite Wrestling (AEW). He is also involved in American football and association football, showcasing his diverse portfolio within the sports and entertainment industries. Khan's prominent role in AEW has made him a significant figure in professional wrestling, driving competition and innovation within the industry.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

October 10, 1982: Tony Khan's Birth

On October 10, 1982, Antony Rafiq Khan, also known as Tony Khan, was born. He is an American businessman, promoter, and sports executive involved in American football, professional wrestling, and association football.

Others born on this day/year

2001: Graduation from University Laboratory High School

In 2001, Tony Khan graduated from the University Laboratory High School.

2007: Graduation from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

In 2007, Tony Khan graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Science degree in finance.

July 2012: Joining the Jacksonville Jaguars

In July 2012, Tony Khan joined the Jacksonville Jaguars following his father's purchase of the team. He currently serves as Senior President of Football and Analytics.

2015: Acquisition of TruMedia Networks

In 2015, Tony Khan acquired TruMedia Networks, a Boston-based engineering firm specializing in analytics for the athletic sports industry.

February 22, 2017: Named Vice-Chairman and Director of Football Operations of Fulham

On February 22, 2017, Tony Khan was named as vice-chairman and director of football operations of Fulham, overseeing player-related activities.

2018: Fulham Promotion to the Premier League

In 2018, Fulham earned promotion to the Premier League by defeating Aston Villa in the play-off final, with Tony Khan present.

2018: Funding Activist Artists Management

In 2018, Tony Khan and his family helped fund Activist Artists Management, a talent management and advisory firm.

2018: Filing Trademarks for All Elite Wrestling

In late 2018, Tony Khan filed several trademarks in preparation for launching All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

January 2019: Fulham's Struggle in the Premier League and Criticism of Khan

By January 2019, Fulham was struggling in the relegation zone, despite managerial changes, and Tony Khan faced criticism, including telling a supporter to "go to hell" and facing questions about his capability.

January 2019: Official Launch of All Elite Wrestling

In January 2019, Tony Khan officially launched All Elite Wrestling (AEW), a professional wrestling promotion, with financial backing from his father, Shahid Khan. He serves as President, CEO, General Manager, Executive Producer, and Head of Creative.

May 25, 2019: AEW's First Event: Double or Nothing

On May 25, 2019, AEW’s first event, Double or Nothing, was held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

2019: Scott Parker Named Manager

In 2019, Scott Parker was named manager of Fulham on a permanent basis.

2019: Promoter of the Year Award

In 2019, Tony Khan was awarded Promoter of the Year by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

April 2020: Yannick Ngakoue refers to Khan as "spoiled"

In April 2020, Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Yannick Ngakoue referred to Tony Khan as "spoiled" after a confrontation on Twitter.

August 2020: Yannick Ngakoue Traded to the Minnesota Vikings

In August 2020, Yannick Ngakoue, who had previously referred to Tony Khan as "spoiled", was traded to the Minnesota Vikings.

September 2020: Criticism from Jamie Carragher

In September 2020, Tony Khan was called a "clown" by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher for tweeting critical comments of Fulham players, and Carragher described the transfer history of Khan as "a right mess".

2020: Best Booker Award

In 2020, Tony Khan was awarded Best Booker by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

December 2021: Controversy Over Big Swole Comments

In December 2021, Tony Khan faced controversy for his response to former wrestler Big Swole’s comments on AEW’s diversity and structure.

2021: Marco Silva Appointed as Fulham Manager

In 2021, Marco Silva succeeded Scott Parker as manager of Fulham.

March 2, 2022: Acquisition of Ring of Honor

On March 2, 2022, Tony Khan announced that he had acquired the professional wrestling promotion Ring of Honor (ROH) from Sinclair Broadcast Group, including its video library, brand assets, and intellectual property.

2022: Promoter of the Year and Best Booker Awards

In 2022, Tony Khan was awarded Promoter of the Year and Best Booker by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

2023: Termination of CM Punk's contract

In 2023, Tony Khan's decision to terminate CM Punk's contract following a backstage incident drew a divided response from fans and media outlets alike.

April 2024: Appearance on Dynamite and NFL Draft

In late April 2024, Tony Khan appeared in a rare storyline segment on Dynamite, during which he was attacked by members of The Elite. He continued to sell the effects of the attack during the NFL draft that week, whilst making media appearances in his capacity as a Jaguars official.

2024: NFL Films Feature

In 2024, NFL Films featured Tony Khan handling his scouting responsibilities during that year's NFL draft, as well as his responsibilities overseeing a live broadcast of All Elite Wrestling's Collision.