All Elite Wrestling president Tony Khan has singled out one of his most recent acquisitions as the standout performer of the year, declaring that Tony Khan names Thekla the ‘MVP’ of AEW’s new signings. Speaking on the impact of the promotion’s recent recruitment drive, Khan praised the champion’s rapid integration into the roster and her ability to immediately elevate the women’s division.
The remarks came during a recent appearance on The Masked Man Show, where Khan reflected on the talent signed throughout 2025. For Khan, Thekla’s trajectory—from her debut less than a year ago to holding the top prize in the division—represents the ideal success story for the company’s talent scouting efforts.
“I think when you seem at the champions on the women’s side, I would say absolutely Thekla would be … the MVP of the new arrivals as world champion,” Khan said. “And she’s been fantastic.”
A Calculated Ascent: The Rivalry with Jamie Hayter
Whereas many newcomers focus on establishing a baseline presence, Khan noted that Thekla entered the promotion with a specific, aggressive blueprint. Rather than climbing a traditional ladder, she targeted one of the most established figures in the AEW women’s landscape: Jamie Hayter.
According to Khan, this strategic choice to challenge a former world champion and one of the company’s most popular stars served as the catalyst for Thekla’s rise. By aligning herself with a high-profile rival, Thekla was able to validate her skills against a proven veteran, creating a narrative that Khan believes has captivated the audience.
“When [Thekla] arrived, she had a goal of winning the world title, but the very first thing she did was go after Jamie Hayter,” Khan said. “And Jamie Hayter been a huge part of AEW, one of our most popular stars, a former world champion. And Jamie Hayter versus Thekla I think is a really compelling, exciting rivalry.”
This friction between the established guard and the new arrival is set to reach a boiling point this weekend, as the two are scheduled to clash in a high-stakes championship encounter.
Broadening the Talent Pool: The Trios Success
While Thekla has captured the spotlight in the singles division, Khan used his appearance to highlight other successful additions to the roster, specifically the current AEW World Trios Champions. The trio of Mistico, Speedball Bailey and “The Jet” Kevin Knight has develop into a focal point of the company’s tag team scene, representing a diverse blend of international experience and athletic styles.
Khan expressed particular admiration for the chemistry and longevity of the group, noting that their impact has far outweighed their actual tenure with the company. He specifically pointed to Speedball Bailey as a personal favorite, praising the group’s collective run as “incredible.”
“All three of them,” Khan said of the champions. “They represent very different places in their careers, different experiences, different backgrounds, but three great wrestlers that we’ve signed in the past year in Mistico and Speedball Bailey and of course the Jet Kevin Knight.”
Dynasty Weekend Schedule
The upcoming AEW Dynasty event serves as a critical juncture for these new signings, with both the Trios and Women’s World Championships on the line across two consecutive nights.
| Date | Champion(s) | Opponent(s) | Title at Stake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, April 11 | Mistico, Speedball Bailey, Kevin Knight | Dogs on Collision | AEW World Trios Championship |
| Sunday, April 12 | Thekla | Jamie Hayter | AEW Women’s World Championship |
The Impact of New Blood in AEW
The arrival of talent like Thekla and the Trios champions underscores a broader strategy by All Elite Wrestling to diversify its roster with athletes from varying backgrounds and global territories. By pairing these new arrivals with established stars like Hayter, the promotion aims to create organic growth for its new talent while maintaining the prestige of its championships.
For Thekla, the “MVP” label from the company’s owner provides significant momentum heading into her title defense. It signals not only her current value to the product but also her perceived role in the long-term future of the women’s division.
The wrestling community now looks toward Sunday’s main event at AEW Dynasty to see if Thekla can maintain her championship status and justify the high praise from Tony Khan. The result of the match against Jamie Hayter will likely determine whether Thekla’s “MVP” run continues or if the division returns to a familiar face.
Share your thoughts on Thekla’s rise and the upcoming Dynasty matches in the comments below.
