AEW has experienced strong momentum following the All In Texas event, but certain fans have expressed dissatisfaction with the recent booking choices. WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry recently added his perspective to the ongoing debate, particularly regarding the use of larger wrestlers like Claudio Castagnoli in AEW’s current storylines. Henry defended Tony Khan’s AEW creative direction, emphasizing the company‘s preference for smaller, more technical wrestlers.
Mixed Reactions to AEW’s Booking After All In Texas
During the latest AEW Dynamite episode, Claudio Castagnoli faced Mark Briscoe in the main event. Despite the acclaim surrounding stars such as Toni Storm, Hangman Page, and Swerve Strickland, some fans criticized promoter Tony Khan’s decision to headline with Castagnoli vs. Briscoe just weeks after the major All In Texas show. One fan described Khan as “clueless” for this booking choice amid the flourishing storylines elsewhere on the roster.
This debate brought Mark Henry into the conversation, as some referenced a past comment from the WWE Hall of Famer that AEW wasn’t suitable for big men. Henry clarified his stance, disputing the notion that big wrestlers can’t succeed in AEW. Instead, he explained the promotion’s style doesn’t typically favor larger athletes because Khan prioritizes technically skilled, smaller wrestlers. He stated,
“Not true! It’s not the place for big guys because they use thoroughbred guys the most. Since you putting words in my mouth . Show me the big guy is over,” —Mark Henry, WWE Hall of Famer
MJF Comments on Tony Khan’s Growing Creative Involvement
This year, AEW’s storylines have been notably more streamlined and focused, an improvement many attribute to Tony Khan’s increased hands-on role in the promotion’s creative process. Reports suggest Khan is deeply involved in writing and directing much of AEW’s current programming to maintain consistent momentum.
Even MJF, who often critiques Khan publicly, acknowledged the promoter’s shift toward professionalism and dedication. In a conversation with Adrian Hernandez, MJF praised Khan for his concentrated focus on AEW and its talent. He remarked,
“Tony’s approach now is a whole lot different. This is the most professional he has ever been online. He is only talking about our company. He’s not throwing pot shots. And that’s because the truth is, he really is only focused on our s***. Fully. And I will give him credit for that.” —MJF, AEW Wrestler
AEW’s Schedule and Upcoming Challenges
Currently, AEW is conducting a multi-week residency at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago, with upcoming shows planned in Virginia and Ohio. The promotion will also travel to the UK for the Forbidden Door event. As AEW continues to build on its recent surge, the industry will watch closely to see if Tony Khan and his creative team can sustain this momentum amid evolving fan expectations and roster dynamics.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Tony Khan a billionaire?
A. Forbes states that Shahid Khan, Tony Khan’s father, has a net worth exceeding $12 billion. Tony Khan’s exact net worth isn’t publicly known, but he is estimated to be worth about $1.5 billion due to his ownership of AEW.
