Tony Khan Presents Clemson Tigers with AEW Championship Belt After Gator Bowl Victory

In a moment that blurred the lines between college football and professional wrestling, Tony Khan, the president and CEO of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), presented Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney and his football team with a custom-made AEW Championship belt after their victorious performance in the 2025 Gator Bowl. This unique gesture not only brought together two distinct worlds of sports entertainment but also showcased the growing influence of AEW in mainstream sports culture. The special moment occurred on the field in the aftermath of Clemson’s 35-17 victory over the Iowa State Cyclones, and it quickly became a topic of conversation across sports and wrestling media alike.

The Gator Bowl, which is played annually in Jacksonville, Florida, is one of college football’s premier postseason events. The matchup between Clemson and Iowa State, both high-profile teams with rich traditions, promised to be an exciting contest. But while the game itself was thrilling, it was the unexpected presentation by Khan that would make the day truly unforgettable for the Clemson football team, coaching staff, and fans alike.

Tony Khan’s decision to gift Clemson with an AEW Championship belt was not just a token of admiration but also a demonstration of the fusion between two sports that, on the surface, might seem unrelated. As a lifelong wrestling fan and the owner of AEW, Khan has long sought to bridge the gap between traditional sports and the world of professional wrestling. AEW, which has rapidly become one of the most popular wrestling promotions in the world, has consistently embraced the idea of blending sports with entertainment in creative and unconventional ways. This presentation, however, took things to a whole new level.

The belt itself was a work of art—adorned with custom engravings that paid homage to the Clemson Tigers’ rich football tradition. The centerpiece of the belt featured a golden tiger, a symbol of Clemson’s powerful football program, alongside the AEW logo. It was a combination of both worlds—a nod to the world of professional wrestling, and at the same time, a representation of the grit, determination, and teamwork that defined Clemson’s championship-caliber football team.

For Dabo Swinney, the coach who has turned Clemson into a perennial powerhouse in college football, the gesture came as a surprise. Swinney has built a reputation as one of the most passionate and energetic coaches in the game, known for his inspirational speeches and relentless drive. It was clear from his reaction to the belt that he was genuinely touched by the recognition.

“This is just awesome,” Swinney said with a wide grin as he hoisted the AEW Championship belt over his shoulder. “To have Tony Khan come out here and do something like this is just special. It’s a unique way to celebrate our victory, and we’re thankful to AEW for showing love to our team.”

Khan’s decision to present the belt was rooted in his admiration for the Clemson football program, which has been a dominant force in college football over the past decade. Swinney’s Tigers have won multiple national championships and have consistently produced NFL-caliber players. Their performance in the 2025 Gator Bowl was just the latest example of Clemson’s enduring excellence.

“I’ve been a huge fan of Coach Swinney and Clemson for a long time,” Khan explained during the post-game ceremony. “What they’ve done on the football field, the way they play with passion and heart, is something that resonates with me. As someone who has spent most of his career in the world of sports entertainment, I know how much hard work, discipline, and team spirit go into reaching the pinnacle of success. So, it was only fitting that I honored these incredible athletes in the way we do in AEW—with an AEW Championship belt.”

Before the ceremony, the focus was squarely on the game. Clemson came into the Gator Bowl with a strong sense of purpose after a challenging regular season. Despite some early losses, the Tigers managed to bounce back and finish the season strong, earning an invitation to one of the most prestigious postseason games in college football.

The matchup with Iowa State, a team that had also exceeded expectations in 2025, promised to be a closely contested affair. Iowa State, led by head coach Matt Campbell, had a reputation for being a disciplined and tough team. The Cyclones were no strangers to upsets, and they certainly brought their A-game to Jacksonville. However, Clemson’s superior talent and depth ultimately proved too much for Iowa State to handle.

From the start of the game, Clemson’s offense, led by their dynamic quarterback, showed flashes of brilliance. The Tigers were efficient in the passing game, with their wide receivers making spectacular catches and their offensive line providing ample protection. Meanwhile, the Clemson defense was stifling, applying constant pressure to Iowa State’s quarterback and forcing several turnovers.

By the second half, it was clear that Clemson was in control. Running back Will Shipley, who had been a standout throughout the season, capped off a fantastic performance with multiple touchdown runs, further cementing his status as one of the nation’s top players. The Tigers’ defense continued to dominate, stifling Iowa State’s offensive efforts and keeping the Cyclones from ever truly threatening to make it a competitive game.

When the final whistle blew, Clemson emerged victorious, having secured a 35-17 win. The crowd erupted in jubilation as players and coaches celebrated on the field, basking in the glory of their impressive victory. But little did they know that the post-game celebration would include an unexpected surprise.

As the team gathered for their post-game photos, the Gator Bowl trophy in hand, the moment of surprise arrived. Tony Khan, dressed in AEW-branded gear, appeared on the field with a custom-made AEW Championship belt. The belt was a gleaming piece of wrestling memorabilia, with a large, intricate design that featured both AEW’s signature logo and the emblem of the Clemson Tigers.

With a microphone in hand, Khan addressed the team.

“Congratulations, Coach Swinney, to the players, and to the entire Clemson football family. I wanted to take a moment to honor you all with something very special—a symbol of your victory and your greatness. You’ve worked hard, you’ve fought through adversity, and now you’ve earned your place at the top. That’s what champions do. And as a way to recognize your accomplishment, I’m here to present you with this—an AEW Championship belt.”

The players erupted into cheers, and Swinney, visibly moved, took the belt into his hands. The coach held the belt high above his head, and the crowd cheered once more. It was an unforgettable sight—Clemson’s football team celebrating with a piece of professional wrestling gold. The connection between two worlds that seemed worlds apart had never been so real.

“I don’t think anyone could have expected this,” said quarterback Cade Klubnik, one of Clemson’s standout stars. “But this is an amazing moment, and it’s something that we’ll never forget. To be recognized like this is something special. It makes this win even sweeter.”

The AEW Championship belt, while a symbol of professional wrestling excellence, had now become a symbol of the Clemson Tigers’ dominance in college football. The act was symbolic of the hard work, passion, and grit that both wrestling and football share. It was a moment that blurred the lines between sports, showing that excellence in any field deserves to be celebrated, no matter how unconventional the recognition may be.

Khan’s presentation of the AEW Championship belt to Clemson was more than just a fun, one-off gesture—it was a reflection of the growing influence AEW has within the broader sports culture. Since its inception in 2019, AEW has sought to carve out a niche for itself in the sports entertainment world by offering an alternative to the long-standing dominance of WWE. AEW’s success has been largely driven by its ability to blend sports and entertainment, and Khan’s decision to honor a college football team in such a dramatic fashion is a testament to the company’s expanding footprint in the world of sports.

AEW has frequently made efforts to engage with various sports communities, whether it’s through partnerships with athletes, appearances at major sporting events, or the promotion of cross-industry initiatives. This gesture toward Clemson football was yet another indication that AEW is not just a wrestling promotion but a brand that seeks to connect with sports fans on a broader level.

In the wake of the presentation, AEW’s social media platforms were abuzz with comments from fans and athletes alike, praising Khan’s gesture as a creative way to unite the worlds of college football and professional wrestling. Many saw it as a bridge between two fanbases, showing that sports can unite in unexpected ways.

The presentation of the AEW Championship belt to Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers was a truly memorable moment in sports history, one that demonstrated the growing intersection between traditional sports and the world of professional wrestling. It was a celebration of excellence, hard work, and sportsmanship—qualities that define both Clemson football and AEW. For Coach Swinney and his team, it was a moment they would cherish forever, as they were honored in a way that few teams ever experience. It was a win not just for Clemson but for the larger world of sports and entertainment, showing that when passion meets dedication, champions can emerge in unexpected ways.