Ace Steel Blasts Tony Khan Over Jon Moxley/Harley Race Comparison: 'Utter Crap'

A seemingly high compliment paid by AEW President Tony Khan to star Jon Moxley has sparked a furious public reaction from veteran wrestler and former AEW coach, Ace Steel. Khan compared Moxley, a former three-time AEW World Champion, to the legendary eight-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, Harley Race—a comparison Steel quickly and vehemently labeled "blasphemous."

The controversy erupted following a recent media appearance where Khan was asked which AEW star best embodies the spirit and toughness of the late, great Harley Race.

​Tony Khan's Comparison

​Khan offered a lengthy explanation for why he chose Jon Moxley, citing a combination of biographical details, in-ring style, and professional standing.

Here is the full quote from Tony Khan regarding the comparison:

​"He's won the most championships, he's traveled the world, he's a hardened veteran, he's from the Midwest, he's a straight shooter, and he's a great person who's respected by his peers, who takes no gruff and is so respected as a pro-wrestling veteran. Many times in Jon Moxley's matches I've observed it was like watching a great Harley Race match, or even some of Harley Race's great matches in Japan remind me of some of the great Jon Moxley matches. There's a lot of great influences and a lot of great wrestlers that contribute to Jon Moxley, but Jon Moxley's also an incredible, very unique personality in the world of pro-wrestling. I think it's really cool that he draws comparisons to such a great champion like Harley Race."

​Ace Steel’s Vicious Response

​While Khan intended the statement as a mark of immense respect for Moxley, it struck a nerve with Ace Steel, who has a deep, personal connection to Harley Race, having been mentored by the legend earlier in his career. Steel did not hold back, taking to social media to blast the comparison with blunt language.

Steel’s comments were:

​"Count this as one of the dumbest and most blasphemous things I've ever read.. utter crap.. really infuriating.. zero comparison."

​The visceral reaction from Steel highlights the intense respect and reverence that many veterans of the business hold for Harley Race, often considered one of the toughest and most influential figures in wrestling history. To figures like Steel, comparing a modern-day performer—even one as accomplished as Moxley—to the historical importance and in-ring aura of Race is a step too far.

The debate now rages online: Even Dax chimed in with a tweet saying:

I think I'll him King Moxley Race from now on....

Does Jon Moxley's rugged style, world-traveled career, and hardcore nature truly make him the modern equivalent of Harley Race, or is Tony Khan's assessment a step of hyperbole too far, especially for those who worked closely with the legendary NWA champion?

Kimster AFW.