Former WWE writer Vince Russo has voiced strong criticism toward both Triple H and Tony Khan concerning their creative direction, but he firmly believes only Triple H should be replaced. Russo emphasized this distinction during a recent episode of Writing with Russo, highlighting the differences in ownership and authority between the two figures.
According to Russo, Tony Khan, as the owner of AEW based in Jacksonville, has full creative control and cannot be displaced, whereas Triple H lacks ownership of WWE and thus should be removed from his role as creative officer.
Ownership Determines Creative Authority, Russo Explains
During the podcast, Russo explained why his opinion diverges regarding the two leaders’ job security. He stated,
“I criticize Triple H’s booking. Triple H does not own the company. Triple H does not own WWE. Therefore I believe Triple H should be replaced in his role as creative officer. I do not think he is doing a good job. Now I would have never said that about Vince McMahon. He owns the company. Tony Khan owns the company, nobody is gonna replace Tony Khan.”
This clarifies Russo’s position that ownership fundamentally impacts accountability and the potential for change in wrestling promotions.
AEW as Tony Khan’s Personal Creative Playground
Vince Russo also described AEW as Tony Khan’s “playbox,” a space where Khan exercises complete freedom over creative decisions. This comment aligns with recent remarks from wrestler Jake Hager, reinforcing the notion that AEW serves as Khan’s personal project.
Russo further commented,
“I think, and I have said this all along. It is Tony’s playbox. Tony owns the playbox. Tony can do whatever Tony wants to do. If you don’t like it, leave. It’s that simple.”
Despite AEW’s creative independence, the promotion has recently struggled to keep pace with WWE’s increasingly competitive roster under Triple H’s direction. Observers are waiting to see if Tony Khan can develop strategies to improve AEW’s standing in the wrestling landscape.
Implications for WWE and AEW’s Future Creative Directions
Russo’s critique highlights ongoing tensions behind the scenes in professional wrestling’s top companies. While Triple H’s position appears vulnerable due to lack of ownership, Tony Khan’s control over AEW secures his role. This dynamic may influence how both promotions evolve creatively in coming years, especially as they vie for fan engagement and market share.
