At AEW’s World’s End 2025 event held last month in Chicago, Illinois, several intense matches captivated fans, including a brutal confrontation between Jon Moxley and Kyle Fletcher. During the event, wrestler Protostar suffered a dangerous fall that resulted in him landing on his neck, raising concerns about in-ring safety. The risks involved in these high-impact maneuvers sparked debate over performer safety and the responsibilities of AEW’s leadership.
William Regal Voices Safety Worries, Tony Khan Responds
Following World’s End, former AEW wrestler William Regal publicly urged caution on Twitter, emphasizing the need for wrestlers to avoid life-threatening spots to protect their careers. Tony Khan, AEW’s president, addressed these concerns during The Mark Hoke Show, acknowledging that while wrestlers often take risks to maintain excitement in the sport, he has at times advised them against executing particularly hazardous moves. Khan emphasized balancing safety with the entertainment value in wrestling.
Jim Cornette Criticizes Khan’s Management and Roster Professionalism
Veteran wrestling figure Jim Cornette expressed frustration with Tony Khan’s statements on his podcast, the Jim Cornette Experience. He questioned when Khan had actually intervened to prevent dangerous stunts, pointing out numerous high-risk incidents approved or allowed by AEW, such as performers setting each other on fire, being run over by vehicles, and engaging in other extreme and unsafe acts. Cornette highlighted a lack of professionalism among AEW’s roster and criticized the promotion’s culture around dangerous spots.
“I am wondering what all the things are first of all where he stepped in. They have set each other on fire, they have run over each other with vehicles, they have drunk each other’s blood. They have attempted the bleach pouring. And the dragging of the people behind the vehicle. When did he step in? Secondly, this is not something that he has to ixnay because if they have set up a situation where these guys on all these TV shows are telling Tony Khan every move they are going to do in the match in the course of the night, then that’s just insane anyway. There has to be some sort of professionalism spread out amongst the roster,” said Cornette.
Cornette’s Critical Nickname for Tony Khan
On the same episode of his podcast, Jim Cornette referred to Tony Khan with a sarcastic nickname, “HSIC,” short for Head Sicko In Charge, underscoring his disapproval of Khan’s leadership regarding safety and match planning. Cornette’s comments reflect ongoing tension surrounding the promotion’s approach to risk-taking in its matches.
Potential Impact on AEW’s Future After Challenging 2025
While AEW has achieved significant milestones in 2025, the scrutiny over its handling of in-ring safety could influence its future direction. The debate sparked by figures like Regal and Cornette may prompt the promotion to re-evaluate its protocols and emphasize wrestler well-being more strongly. Fans and industry observers will be watching closely to see how AEW navigates the line between thrilling entertainment and performer safety moving forward.
