As Hurricane Milton bears down on the Gulf Coast, communities in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee continue to grapple with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Towns like Asheville, NC, were hit exceptionally hard, leaving many residents in need of assistance.
During a recent media call leading up to the WrestleDream event, AEW President Tony Khan shared insights on how the chaos surrounding the hurricanes reshaped his perspective. Khan recounted a conversation with AEW star Adam Copeland, a WWE Hall of Famer, who was actively assisting FEMA workers in the recovery efforts.
“I was dealing with a bit of a scramble with booking issues, and Adam called me from backstage at ‘Collision.’ He was with FEMA workers, helping them dig out bodies,” Khan revealed. “Meanwhile, I was stressed over canceled flights and six cups of coffee.”
This conversation proved to be a turning point for Khan, inspiring him to shift his focus. The enormity of the situation in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene helped him realize the relatively minor nature of his own problems, igniting a new wave of creativity in his problem-solving approach.
In a show of solidarity, Khan has made significant contributions to relief efforts in Asheville, home to AEW wrestler Cash Wheeler, who has been a leader in mobilizing support from the wrestling community. Numerous wrestlers have come together to donate and aid in the recovery process.
Adam Copeland’s connection to the area is personal; his family resides nearby, and his wife, WWE Hall of Famer Beth Phoenix, has kept fans updated on their family’s situation post-storm. After the hurricane, their daughter faced a medical issue but successfully received care after navigating the challenging flooded streets.
As communities like Asheville begin to rebuild, the wrestling world stands united, exemplifying resilience and compassion in the face of adversity brought on by Hurricane Helene and now Hurricane Milton.
