The announcement of the AEW tag team tournament brackets was postponed by Tony Khan due to an injury to a participating wrestler, delaying the full reveal. The tournament, which started airing on the July 23rd episode of AEW Dynamite, aims to determine the next challengers for the tag team titles, with the winners set to compete against The Hurt Syndicate at the Forbidden Door event in London on August 24th.
Fans were initially confused when only the first-round matchup between FTR and Jetspeed appeared on the brackets, leaving out other teams that were expected to compete. The delay was linked to an injury sustained by Colten Gunn, a key participant.
Details Behind Tony Khan’s Decision to Hold Back Brackets
Insider Dave Meltzer shared insights on Wrestling Observer Radio about why Tony Khan chose not to release the complete tournament brackets immediately. The injury to Colten Gunn disrupted plans, as he was originally scheduled to compete alongside his brother Austin Gunn.
“The reason there were no brackets on that first week, he wanted to do the brackets, and then Colten Gunn got hurt, okay. So he’s gonna put Juice Robinson and Austin Gunn as a team, but he didn’t want to announce that until he shot the thing where they got together. He didn’t want to put brackets out until he had all the teams.” —Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Radio
Khan’s approach was to wait until the new team formation was officially confirmed on-screen before presenting the full tournament bracket, ensuring all teams were accurately represented.
Progress and Tournament Developments Following the Announcement
After the initial delay, the full tournament brackets were finally unveiled, confirming the revised lineups. The Young Bucks secured their advancement by defeating The Outrunners in a recent match, moving closer to the final where they could challenge The Hurt Syndicate.
This tournament plays a crucial role in establishing credible contenders for the tag team championship, heightening anticipation for the Forbidden Door event in London later this month.
Context within the Wrestling World
While Tony Khan’s AEW tournament faced uncertainty due to injuries and scheduling, similar tensions have surfaced elsewhere in professional wrestling. Wrestlers like CM Punk and Cody Rhodes have been involved in notable storylines and behind-the-scenes developments reported recently. Meanwhile, WWE stars such as Drew McIntyre have addressed their availability for major events like SummerSlam, reflecting the broader landscape of uncertainty and high stakes within the industry.
The wrestling community continues to experience shifts in alliances, unexpected injuries, and competitive rivalries, all of which influence how promotions like AEW and WWE plan their marquee events and storylines.
Upcoming Implications of the Tournament Delay
The delay in revealing the AEW tag team tournament brackets underscores the challenges faced by event organizers when dealing with unforeseen injuries. Tony Khan’s decision to wait until all teams were confirmed suggests an emphasis on clarity and storyline cohesion rather than rushing incomplete information to the audience.
With the tournament now progressing with confirmed participants, the road to the August 24 Forbidden Door event promises to bring exciting matchups and resolutions for tag team fans. Tony Khan’s careful management of the tournament brackets, despite setbacks, is likely to maintain fan engagement and uphold AEW’s reputation for delivering compelling wrestling narratives.
