A former WWE star shared his perspective on a recent modification introduced by AEW president Tony Khan regarding contract cash-ins, stating that the new regulation does not truly affect the outcome. This shift requires AEW contract holders to provide a one-week notice before challenging for a title, altering how the company’s Casino Gauntlet match winners can use their rewards.
Background on AEW‘s Contract and Its Recent Rule Adjustment
Professional wrestling enthusiasts have long appreciated specialty matches that carry unique stakes, such as WWE’s Money in the Bank Ladder match, where competitors vie for a contract granting a title shot at any time within a year. AEW has a similar concept with the Casino Gauntlet match, which awards the winner a contract to challenge for the AEW World Title at a timing of their choosing.
During the post-Forbidden Door media event, Tony Khan declared a change: wrestlers holding these contracts must notify AEW one week in advance before cashing in their title opportunities. This adjustment effectively removes the surprise element often associated with contract cash-ins across wrestling promotions, prompting discussions about its impact.
WWE Veteran Dutch Mantell’s View on the New Rule
In an interview on the show Story Time with Dutch Mantell, the WWE veteran expressed skepticism about the significance of the change. Mantell emphasized that although the rule restricts immediate cash-ins, it does not substantially alter the competition’s nature.
“Well, I don’t think it makes much of a difference, really. It’s just a rule change. But that means they can’t change it. So a guy cannot win it on a pay-per-view, say on a Sunday or Saturday, and then go cash it in on a Monday. I liked it better the old way. He could cash it in the same night. I like that idea,” said Mantell. —Dutch Mantell, WWE veteran
Mantell’s remarks highlight a preference for the unpredictability traditionally entwined with these contracts, underscoring tension around whether the new rule diminishes dramatic moments. His experience in wrestling, including managing Jack Swagger as Zeb Colter in WWE, lends weight to his opinion.
Clarifying the Origins of the Casino Gauntlet Match
Aside from his thoughts on the rule change, Mantell also addressed AEW’s claim to the Casino Gauntlet match’s innovation. He suggested the match type was adopted rather than originally created by AEW, indicating it had been established in wrestling prior to AEW’s implementation.
“Well, they didn’t invent that. They took that. They took that from another company because it’s established now. Okay, but you need a week’s notice. Before you cash it in,” said Mantell. —Dutch Mantell, WWE veteran
This comment added context to the current debate, pointing out that AEW’s concept follows wrestling traditions, rather than breaking entirely new ground. Mantell’s career and demonstration of wrestling knowledge illuminate these insights, which resonate among long-time fans.
Implications of the Rule Change Moving Forward
The introduction of the mandatory week’s notice in Tony Khan AEW rule change may reshape how storylines develop by removing immediate surprise cash-ins that often drive excitement. This creates a more predictable environment for both wrestlers and viewers, altering AEW’s event dynamics.
For contract holders and wrestling fans, this adjustment could reduce moments of sudden title challenges, impacting fan engagement and storyline tension. As AEW continues to evolve its match formats and rules, the community will watch closely to see if this change affects the company’s appeal or match quality over time.
