Tony Khan Credits Samoa Joe for Saving All In 2023

Tony Khan, president of All Elite Wrestling, has credited wrestler Samoa Joe with averting a potential disaster at the promotion's All In 2023 event, describing it as the most stressful pay-per-view in company history.

The incident unfolded on August 27, 2023, at London's Wembley Stadium, where more than 80,000 fans gathered for AEW's first show at the iconic venue. Just minutes before the broadcast began, a backstage altercation between CM Punk and Jack Perry threatened to derail the evening's opening match, a highly anticipated bout between Punk and Joe for the AEW Real World Championship. Khan, speaking in an interview with Case Lowe of Q101 radio, explained that the confrontation escalated tensions to the point where the match appeared in jeopardy, risking the entire card's stability.

"Samoa Joe saved the day there," Khan said. He intervened to de-escalate the situation, convincing Punk to proceed and ensuring fans received the contest they had paid to see. Joe, a veteran performer known for his composure, stepped up as a stabilizing force, allowing the show to launch on schedule. Punk ultimately defeated Joe in the match, which marked a successful start to the event despite...