In a recent candid interview on the My Mom’s Basement podcast, AEW President and CEO Tony Khan opened up about his deepest regret since leading All Elite Wrestling: his inability to feature the late Jay Briscoe on AEW Dynamite before his tragic death in 2023. Despite acquiring Ring of Honor (ROH) in 2022—which featured the Briscoe Brothers—Khan revealed that securing Jay Briscoe a spot on AEW’s main television program was a struggle that ultimately never came to fruition[1][2][5].

Tony Khan’s Battle to Bring Jay Briscoe to AEW TV

Jay Briscoe, along with his brother Mark, was a cornerstone of ROH, widely regarded as one of the greatest tag teams in wrestling history. After AEW’s ownership of ROH, Khan sought to integrate the Briscoes into AEW’s weekly shows. However, prior controversial social media posts by Jay Briscoe from 2013 involving homophobic remarks complicated those plans, creating resistance from AEW’s then-parent company Warner Bros. Discovery management.

Khan explained, “I fought really hard to get Jay Briscoe on the show and I fought really hard to have him. There were multiple times when Mark and Jay Briscoe came to Dynamite and didn’t do anything.” He further expressed regret about the timing and differing management, saying, “It was a different time and management. It wasn’t Mr. [David] Zaslav. I could have now literally gone to him.” Tony admitted, “I really wish I would have been able to have Jay Briscoe on Dynamite just one time. He came to the show many times. That’s my biggest regret, by far.”[1][2][3][5]

Jay Briscoe’s Legacy and Mark Briscoe’s AEW Journey

Jay Briscoe tragically died in a car accident in January 2023, sending shockwaves throughout the wrestling world. Known for his hard-hitting style and charismatic presence, Jay was a former ROH World Champion and an integral figure in independent wrestling. Following Jay’s passing, Mark Briscoe made his AEW debut just a week later against Jay Lethal, quickly becoming a consistent fixture on the AEW roster and honoring the Briscoe legacy[2].

Industry Reactions and Sources

Wrestling news outlets such as Fightful, Wrestling Inc., and 411 Mania closely covered Tony Khan’s heartfelt admission, underscoring the profound respect AEW leadership had for Jay Briscoe’s talent. Discussions on the My Mom’s Basement podcast with host Robbie Fox served as the platform for Khan’s reflections on this chapter of AEW’s history[1][3][5].

An AEW insider confided to Wrestling Inc., “Tony was really committed to bringing the Briscoes into AEW proper. He saw their value and legacy first-hand but was constrained by corporate decisions beyond his control.” This sentiment aligns with Khan’s statements about differing WarnerMedia policies and management changes impacting his ability to push Jay on AEW TV.

Why Jay Briscoe’s Inclusion Was Difficult

Jay Briscoe’s 2013 tweets containing offensive language cast a long shadow over his prospects in AEW. Although he had publicly apologized and sought to make amends, AEW’s parent company at the time had strict policies regarding talent conduct and public messaging. This gatekeeping prevented the Briscoe Brothers from fully crossing over, despite their appearances in ROH programming under AEW’s ownership[3].

With new management at Warner Bros. Discovery and Tony Khan’s growing influence, Khan suggested that he might have had an easier time pushing Jay on AEW shows if circumstances had been different. Unfortunately, fate intervened before that possibility could come to pass.

The Broader Impact on AEW and Wrestling Fans

Jay Briscoe remains a revered figure among wrestling fans, and Tony Khan’s transparency about this regret humanizes the challenges behind wrestling promotion decisions. The story highlights how evolving corporate landscapes and past controversies can affect booking choices, even when the talent is well-deserving.

Mark Briscoe continues to carry the torch in AEW, forging his own path while honoring his brother. As AEW expands its roster and audience, the Briscoe legacy will remain a touchstone for the company’s commitment to wrestling history and its stars[2].

Looking Ahead: AEW’s Approach to Legacy and Inclusion

Tony Khan’s acknowledgment of this regret might signal a shift in how AEW balances wrestling talent’s past controversies with their in-ring abilities and contributions to the industry. Given AEW’s reported interest in honoring wrestling legends and its creative flexibility, it’s likely the company will continue navigating such challenges with openness and sensitivity.

Fans and analysts alike watch closely as AEW moves forward, knowing the company’s leadership is willing to reflect on difficult topics openly, as demonstrated by Khan’s heartfelt interview.

By shedding light on this behind-the-scenes struggle, Tony Khan has given wrestling fans a rare glimpse of the complexities involved in major wrestling promotions and the weight carried by executives making such pivotal decisions.

Sources: AEW.com, Fightful, 411 Mania, Wrestling Inc., SI.com, My Mom’s Basement podcast