Former WWE Nexus Member Recalls Meeting AEW's Tony Khan in 2012

Khan was already a passionate wrestling fan years before founding AEW.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 9:07pm

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According to former WWE Nexus member David Otunga, he met AEW President Tony Khan back in 2012 at a pub in Jacksonville, Florida. Otunga says Khan, who was a fan of his work, introduced himself, bought him a shot, and the two exchanged numbers after an in-depth conversation about Otunga's wrestling career and storylines.

Why it matters

This story provides insight into Tony Khan's long-standing passion for pro wrestling, which predates the founding of AEW by over a decade. It shows that Khan has been an engaged fan and industry insider for many years, building relationships with wrestlers even before becoming a promoter himself.

The details

In an episode of his YouTube vlog, Otunga recalled meeting Khan at a pub in Jacksonville in 2012. Khan introduced himself, mentioned that his family owned the Jacksonville Jaguars, and demonstrated his deep knowledge of Otunga's wrestling career and storylines. Otunga was impressed that Khan was clearly not just a casual fan, and the two ended up exchanging contact information after Khan bought Otunga a shot.

  • Otunga and Khan met at a pub in Jacksonville, Florida in 2012.

The players

David Otunga

A former member of the WWE stable Nexus.

Tony Khan

The President and founder of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), who also owns the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team.

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What they’re saying

“This was not an uncommon thing at this time, you know, especially with people seeing me there. He introduced himself, said that his name was Tony Khan, and that his family owned the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was a huge wrestling fan, and he started talking to me, but, like, in depth. He knew things about my career and my storyline.”

— David Otunga, Former WWE Nexus Member

The takeaway

This story highlights Tony Khan's long-standing passion for pro wrestling, which predates the founding of AEW by over a decade. It shows that Khan has been an engaged fan and industry insider for many years, building relationships with wrestlers even before becoming a promoter himself.