Tony Khan, the owner of both All Elite Wrestling and the NFL team the Jacksonville Jaguars, made headlines during the recent NFL Draft for his commitment to 'kayfabe,' a term used in wrestling to describe the portrayal of staged events as real.
During the first round of the 2024 Draft, Khan was spotted wearing a neck brace, a result of a storyline angle that unfolded on Wednesday's AEW Dynamite. In the storyline, Khan was attacked by wrestler Jack Perry, who had aligned himself with the villainous group known as The Elite.
The attack on Khan involved a staged punch to the stomach followed by a modified piledriver move known as the TK Driver, where Khan was safely dropped on his head. The incident prompted a dramatic scene with wrestlers rushing to the ring, including Khan's father, Shad Khan, who made his first appearance on AEW to check on his son.
Despite the neck brace, Khan appeared in good spirits during the draft, maintaining his commitment to the storyline. Commentators acknowledged the neck brace, with some even offering words of encouragement to Khan during the broadcast.
The concept of 'kayfabe' involves wrestlers staying in character and maintaining the illusion of reality both inside and outside the ring. Khan's dedication to the storyline has been praised by fans and industry insiders alike, with many commending him for 'keeping kayfabe alive.'
Even individuals from rival wrestling promotions, such as Pat McAfee from WWE, expressed admiration for Khan's performance. Roderick Strong, an AEW wrestler who previously wore a neck brace on TV, paid tribute to his boss for his commitment to the storyline.
The incident at the NFL Draft has sparked discussions about the blurred lines between reality and fiction in professional wrestling, showcasing the enduring appeal of storytelling and character development in the industry.
