Tony Khan Scores Open Goal with Full-Size Replica Belt Gift

AEW boss Tony Khan scored an open goal on the promotional front by gifting London Mayor Sadiq Khan a full-sized AEW championship belt, complete with Fulham FC side plates; a nod to Tony Khan’s connection to the London team.

Sadiq Khan with his full-sized AEW title belt

Earlier this year, WWE’s gift to Mayor Khan fell short... literally. Standing at around 5'5", Sadiq Khan was presented with a miniature WWE championship belt by WWE Head of Creative Paul “Triple H” Levesque and WWE President Nick Khan. Though undoubtedly intended as a light-hearted gesture, the tiny belt appeared comically out of place.

Given WWE’s branding expertise, it’s surprising no one intervened. Hopefully the PR folk didn't feel too intimidated to speak up, because these small but important details should be their bread and butter.

The miniature belt felt less like a meaningful gift and more like a marketing misfire. Maybe, just maybe, it was intended to make the pictures go viral but somehow, that seems doubtful, given the purpose (and importance) of the visit.

Sadiq Khan with his comically small WWE title belt

WWE was meeting with Mayor Khan to discuss the possibility of bringing WrestleMania to London. Such an event would be monumental for both the wrestling world and London, making this PR slip-up even more surprising.

It left the goal wide open for Tony Khan, which he took and with his full-sized belt and thoughtful Fulham FC touch, scored a decisive - albeit miniature - win on the PR front!