Tony Khan urges AEW fans to welcome WWE viewers with “arms wide open”

In an unexpected yet refreshing move, AEW President Tony Khan has publicly urged All Elite Wrestling fans not to gatekeep the promotion from curious WWE viewers. His message came in response to a viral tweet asking whether AEW loyalists should “let in” fans from the rival camp or keep them at bay.Khan’s reply was clear and inclusive: “Please gatekeep nothing, sir. Please welcome these people to AEW with arms wide open.”The comment quickly gained traction, sparking conversations across X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit, where fans shared mixed reactions ranging from applause to cautious skepticism. While some praised the mature stance, others couldn’t forget the early years of AEW’s direct jabs at WWE.The original tweet, posted by wrestling content creator Juan Carlos, noted that “fed fans” - a slang term often used for WWE loyalists, were starting to show genuine interest in AEW’s product. For years, wrestling discourse online has been marked by a deep divide between the two fanbases, often leading to toxic comparisons and tribalism.But as WWE undergoes a turbulent stretch, including high-profile releases and creative choices that haven’t sat well with parts of the audience - a section of viewers appears more willing to explore AEW’s weekly shows and pay-per-views.While some AEW fans echoed Khan’s sentiment, viewing new audience growth as a positive for the promotion - others were more hesitant. Critics pointed to Khan’s previous expression and early promotional tactics that often painted WWE as the enemy. A few even claimed they were once told by AEW’s own ecosystem to “pick a side.”Still, many welcomed the president’s change in tone, highlighting that more eyes on AEW would ultimately help the company secure better ratings, stronger TV contracts, and increased revenue - all of which benefit the product and its performers.This public statement signals a potential cultural shift in wrestling fandom. Instead of choosing sides, Khan’s appeal promotes unity, embracing all fans regardless of their brand loyalties. With AEW continuing to find its footing in a competitive market, the timing of this message could prove crucial.Whether this truly mends old divides remains to be seen. But for now, Tony Khan has extended the olive branch - and wrestling fans, new and old, are watching closely.