Since its launch in 2019, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has emerged as a strong alternative to WWE, attracting talent eager for a new platform. Tony Khan AEW WWE signings initially brought major attention by signing high-profile wrestlers leaving WWE. However, despite the buzz, several former WWE stars have not been able to thrive within AEW due to inconsistent booking and limited creative direction under Tony Khan’s leadership.
While WWE focuses on long-term storytelling, AEW emphasizes dynamic in-ring performance and character freedom. Names like Jon Moxley and Mercedes Mone have successfully transitioned and become critical draws for AEW. Yet, this success is not universal, as some notable former WWE wrestlers experience setbacks that have prevented them from reaching their expected potential in AEW’s competitive environment.
Adam Cole’s Struggles with Injuries and Stalled Momentum
Adam Cole’s arrival at All Out 2021 was highly anticipated, as he joined forces with Bryan Danielson and The Elite, quickly placing him at the center of AEW’s scene. Building on his reputation from a dominant NXT run, Cole seemed poised to become one of AEW’s top stars.
However, a combination of injuries, including a significant concussion in 2022 followed by a foot injury in 2023, severely hampered his momentum. Since then, Cole’s character has lost much of the energy and excitement fans previously associated with him. Although he captured the TNT Championship earlier this year, his reign lacked memorable rivalries and substantial title defenses.
Despite his clear talent and potential, Adam Cole’s booking under Tony Khan has left fans disappointed, as his current portrayal falls short of expectations, undermining his status as one of AEW’s elite performers.
Keith Lee’s Interrupted Push Amid Health Issues and Booking Problems
Keith Lee entered AEW with high hopes, admired for his unique combination of size, speed, and agility. He quickly found success as part of a tag team with Swerve Strickland, winning the AEW World Tag Team Championship. Yet, recurring health problems, including a major injury requiring surgery in early 2024, have led to a significant break from competition.
Beyond his physical setbacks, Lee has struggled creatively in AEW. His appearances have been infrequent, and his singles career stalled due to a lack of direction from Tony Khan’s booking team. Currently on hiatus, Lee has publicly stated that his return depends on Tony Khan, suggesting the promotion has not yet planned a meaningful role for him despite his readiness to compete again.
Lee’s limited opportunities in AEW have been a source of frustration for fans who recognize his talent and hope he can still become a major singles star.
Johnny TV’s Lack of Clear Purpose and Screen Time in AEW
Known previously as John Morrison, Johnny TV joined AEW in 2022 as “Johnny Elite,” bringing a high-flying and entertaining style to the roster. However, since his debut, his run has suffered from a lack of consistent storytelling and character development.
Johnny TV has appeared sporadically, often relegated to mid-card matches and various tag teams or factions, without a focused storyline to showcase his skills or evolve his character. His last televised appearance was in March 2025, emphasizing how infrequent his use has become.
The underwhelming booking and limited exposure have prevented Johnny TV from fully leveraging his experience and athleticism, leaving fans and observers questioning AEW’s plans for the veteran performer.
Implications of AEW’s Creative Challenges on Former WWE Talent
Although Tony Khan’s promotion has successfully attracted many former WWE stars, the struggles of Adam Cole, Keith Lee, and Johnny TV highlight deeper issues in AEW’s booking strategies. Injuries partly explain some setbacks, but inconsistent creative direction remains a major barrier for these wrestlers to reach their full potential.
With AEW pushing for wider prominence, how Tony Khan and his team handle the careers of established ex-WWE talents will be crucial. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if these wrestlers can regain momentum amid AEW’s evolving landscape and if Khan’s promotion can better balance talent utilization with storytelling demands.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Tony Khan a billionaire?
A. Forbes states that Tony Khan’s father, Shahid Khan, has over $12 billion in wealth. Tony Khan’s exact net worth isn’t publicly known, but it’s estimated to be about $1.5 billion from owning AEW.
