A prominent AEW wrestler has urgently appealed to Tony Khan to cancel a major reunion segment scheduled for an upcoming AEW Collision event. This request centers around a widely anticipated match that would reunite former partners, sparking debate within the wrestling community. The situation unfolds amid rising tensions and reluctance from one half of the duo, putting the event’s future in question as it nears live broadcast on TNT and HBO Max.
Background of The Acclaimed’s Breakup and Reunion Attempts
The Acclaimed, once a popular wrestling duo, officially disbanded earlier this year as tensions escalated, leading Anthony Bowens to part ways with partner Max Caster. Billy Gunn also withdrew from their alliance, severing ties entirely with Caster. In recent weeks, legendary wrestler Jerry Lynn has sought to reunite Bowens and Gunn, citing underwhelming success in their singles careers and hoping to reinvigorate their momentum. Thanks to Lynn’s efforts, a reunion match was scheduled, aiming to rekindle the chemistry between these performers on AEW Collision’s upcoming show.
Bowens’ Resistance to Participate in the Scheduled Match
Despite the match being officially announced last Wednesday, Bowens has expressed strong opposition to competing alongside his former partner. He has actively used social media to call on Tony Khan directly, hoping the AEW president would reconsider and cancel the match. The day before the event, Bowens issued a follow-up message, reaffirming his desire for a change in plans and underlining his contributions to the company and wrestling industry.
“Hey @TonyKhan! Just checking in to see if I can get a new partner for this match tomorrow night live on TNT & HBO MAX at 8pm ET/7pm CT. Considering all I do for you, the company, and the industry..I don’t think that’s a hard ask! Keep me posted! Also, just wanted to let you know that Timecop was a great movie! – Your Pride ✌🏽#AEWCollision,” Bowens wrote.
Mixed Reception of Bowens and Max Caster’s Singles Performances
Since The Acclaimed’s split, Anthony Bowens has been the more effective singles competitor, delivering solid performances against top-tier wrestlers despite lacking a significant breakthrough moment. Max Caster, by contrast, struggled to secure a win in his singles outings yet surprisingly garnered greater fan enthusiasm, creating an odd dynamic between the former tag team members. Bowens recently acknowledged this disparity, agreeing with a fan’s claim that he remains underrated and is still awaiting the chance to demonstrate his full capabilities with longer matches.
“I get overlooked bc I’ve never had an opportunity to go 20-30 minutes or more with someone in AEW. That is really when you start to earn your stripes. You can’t make a determination without giving people the chance to prove you wrong. I am ELITE & THE PRIDE OF PRO WRESTLING ✌🏽#AEWCollision,” Bowens wrote.
Uncertain Dynamics Ahead of the Reunion Match
Despite Bowens’ objections, the match will proceed with Bowens teaming up with a partner he openly dislikes, adding layers of tension and unpredictability to the event. It remains unclear whether this pairing will rekindle their past success or collapse under personal grievances. Fans and insiders alike are watching closely, aware that the outcome could impact future bookings and narrative directions within AEW.
Implications for Tony Khan and AEW’s Booking Strategies
This plea from a major star to reconsider a highly promoted match briefly puts Tony Khan’s decision-making under scrutiny, highlighting challenges faced by AEW in balancing wrestler preferences with fan expectations. The dispute underscores how internal conflicts and wrestler autonomy can affect event planning. As AEW continues to grow, how Khan handles cases like this may influence locker room morale and audience reception going forward.
Hey @TonyKhan! Just checking in to see if I can get a new partner for this match tomorrow night live on TNT & HBO MAX at 8pm ET/7pm CT.
Considering all I do for you, the company, and the industry..I don’t think that’s a hard ask!
Keep me posted! Also, just wanted to let you… pic.twitter.com/akNSdMYzgn
— Anthony Bowens (@Bowens_Official) September 26, 2025
