Former Olympic boxer Anthony Ogogo says a chain of personal connections helped him get a contract with AEW. He says a tip from Diamond Dallas Page and a talk with Cody Rhodes led to a meeting with Tony Khan and, eventually, a spot in AEW in 2021.
How the introduction happened
Ogogo says WWE Hall of Famer Diamond Dallas Page, who is the godfather to Ogogo’s daughter, introduced him to Cody Rhodes. After hearing Ogogo’s story about his boxing background and the hardships he faced, Rhodes spoke to AEW owner Tony Khan on Ogogo’s behalf.
Ogogo recalls meeting Khan before the first Double or Nothing event while they were at a Fulham vs. Newcastle soccer game. They talked during the match, and Khan later offered Ogogo a contract. Ogogo called that day “wonderful” and said getting the offer let him follow a new dream in pro wrestling.
From the Olympics to AEW
Ogogo is a former Olympic boxer. He told Rhodes about his run at the Olympics and about the hard moments that came with it. Weeks before one of his Olympic matches in 2012, Ogogo’s mother suffered a brain aneurysm. He also shared the story of a career-ending eye injury he suffered later.
On October 22, 2016, Ogogo fought Craig Cunningham. After that fight, Ogogo had a severe eye injury that left him legally blind in one eye. Despite those setbacks, he moved into pro wrestling and made his AEW debut in 2021 alongside QT Marshall. They had a brief feud with Cody Rhodes that helped introduce Ogogo to wrestling fans.
Tony Khan’s role and personal support
Ogogo praised Tony Khan for what he has done for the wrestling business. He says Khan gave him a real chance to work in AEW and helped him live a new dream after boxing.
Ogogo also shared a personal moment with Khan after his grandmother died in 2022. He told Khan about the funeral and the loss. Khan reportedly teared up and told Ogogo to take the time he needed to be with his family. Ogogo said that kind, human support mattered a lot to him.
Looking ahead
Ogogo’s path from Olympic boxing to a painful eye injury and then to AEW shows a story of change and resilience. He credits helpful people he met along the way—Diamond Dallas Page, Cody Rhodes, and Tony Khan—for opening doors. Ogogo is now part of professional wrestling, and he says he is grateful for the chance to build a new career in the sport.
