5 current AEW stars born in wealthy families

AEW might be a young company, but in the three years since its inception, it has secured a lucrative television deal, generated revenues from shows and pay-per-view, and generally become profitable within a short amount of time.

Headed by billionaire Tony Khan, the wrestlers in AEW are generally well-paid. That's why former WWE Superstars such as Chris Jericho, Jon Moxley, CM Punk, Bryan Danielson, and others have jumped ship and turned down big-time contracts with Vince McMahon.

Not all AEW stars experienced a rags-and-riches story before ascending to the pinnacle of the wrestling industry. Some were already born into wealthy families and grew up with a silver spoon in their mouths. Whether it's generational wealth from famous wrestling dynasties or money gained from other pursuits, here are five current AEW figures who were born into wealthy families.

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#5. AEW wrestler MJF

MJF's gimmick as a snobbish aristocrat from Long Island, New York is no charade. The Salt of the Earth has lived in luxury since birth. It's as if we need another reason to boo the biggest heel in the company.

Maxwell Jacob Friedman is loaded, and he doesn’t want anyone to forget about his wealth any time soon. Back in 2020, the AEW star was asked by fans on social media who questioned whether he came from “new money” or “old money.” He put those queries to bed with two tweets that included photographic evidence as well.

One was Dr. Maxwell Friedman, whom MJF was named after, and the other was the wrestler's great-great uncle, NFL Hall of Fame-inducted quarterback Benny Friedman. It seems like wealth and athleticism run deep in the Friedman family. MJF might only be 25 years old but he already has a reported net worth of 1 million dollars.

#4. AEW veteran Dustin Rhodes

AEW veteran Dustin Rhodes is a legend in wrestling from his stints at WCW and WWE as Goldust. But before he made a name for himself in the business, Dustin was born to The American Dream, Dusty Rhodes.

Being the son of a major wrestling superstar has its perks, and money was one of them. Goldust has certainly done well for himself in his own WWE career and has not coasted on his family name, no doubt earning as much, and probably more than his father ever did or ever dreamed of being possible.

Growing up the son of the immensely famous American Dream allowed young Goldust to enjoy his childhood and helped set him on the path to his career success. While his Rhodes name got Dustin's foot in the door, he carved his unique legacy in the business. His best years were his first run in WWE but, after much time away, he’s enjoyed a rebirth in AEW many wrestlers only wish they had.

#3. AEW tag duo Austin & Colton Gunn

AEW tag duo Austin and Colt Gunn are the sons of legendary former WWE Superstar Billy Gunn. The older Gunn was a pivotal figure in The Attitude Era as one half of The New Age Outlaws with Road Dogg and a member of legendary faction D-Generation-X with Triple H and X-Pac.

The Attitude Era was one of the most successful periods in wrestling, and Gunn certainly made a good living thanks to all the merchandise royalties DX sold, not to mention the countless shows and PPVs he appeared on. Even after his in-ring career winded down, the former King of the Ring winner kept busy in a backstage role with WWE for almost two decades and is now a talent coach and occasional performer in AEW alongside his sons.

Austin and Colton Gunn grew up in relative wealth thanks to their father's exploits in the business. The young duo is now hoping to make their mark in AEW.

#2. AEW EVP Cody Rhodes

AEW EVP Cody Rhodes' inclusion feels only natural after his older brother already appeared earlier on the list. While only half-brothers, he was born into a fortunate situation where he was pretty well-off thanks to the monumental success of his father, Dusty Rhodes. Dusty was a massive draw in the NWA in the 80s with his rivalry against Ric Flair and The Four Horsemen generating a huge gate everywhere they performed. When you can draw audiences, you make money. Dusty did both.

And, like Dustin, Cody too has enjoyed a significant career following in his father’s footsteps. Since being released from WWE earlier this decade, Cody bounced back on the independent scene, joining The Elite and subsequently becoming the EVP of AEW, further securing his wealth. Cody's own earning power remains high, and his lineage is undeniable.

#1 AEW owner Tony Khan

It would be remiss to compile an AEW rich list without including the wealthiest person in the company. AEW owner Tony Khan is a legitimate billionaire, the first person to rival Vince McMahon's WWE in almost two decades. Since creating the company in 2019, Tony has won the Wrestling Observer Newsletter's Best Booker award once and the Promoter of the Year award twice. AEW's weekly shows have gained a loyal and passionate fanbase with consistent viewership, while PPVs and events regularly generate great income for the promotion.

Tony Khan is the son of Shahid Khan, one of the richest men in the world, whose company is one of the biggest automotive parts suppliers not just in the United States but throughout the globe.

While the younger Khan's wealth is shared with his father, the AEW owner's net worth is still almost three times the net worth of Vince McMahon, which is mind-boggling to say the least.

Starting with an initial 100 Million USD investment from his father, Tony Khan has been able to secure a 175 Million USD 4-year deal with WarnerMedia to air Dynamite. Tony Khan has made a risky 8-figure investment in video games that will keep the promotion at a loss for now. Regardless, Tony's wealth has allowed AEW to become a genuine disruptor in the pro-wrestling landscape.