Over six years, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has built a massive following, attracting dedicated fans and high-profile talent. Tony Khan and AEW stars have also become known for their social media activities, especially when it comes to confronting critics, trolls, and even rival companies. These dramatic moments online have added to the tension between AEW and WWE, highlighting the personal and professional stakes in one of pro wrestling’s most heated rivalries. This article explores four of the most intense occasions when Tony Khan and other AEW stars unleashed their frustrations and defended their positions on social platforms, often in response to critical voices from fans and competitors.
Tony Khan’s Stinging Attack After WWE NXT Outscores AEW Dynamite
The animosity between WWE and AEW has been building steadily for years, with both companies competing for viewership and attention. In October 2023, the competition intensified when AEW Dynamite and WWE NXT aired simultaneously on a high-stakes Tuesday night, each vying for wrestling fans’ loyalty. WWE took a bold approach by featuring major stars such as John Cena, Cody Rhodes, and The Undertaker on NXT, creating a blockbuster lineup designed to draw attention away from AEW.
Tony Khan, who is notably active online, noticed WWE’s strategy and decided to respond publicly. While promoting Dynamite on X (formerly Twitter), Khan replied to a post with a sharply worded message accompanied by an edited image stating “Bald A*****e”—a shot clearly aimed at WWE executives Shawn Michaels and Triple H. He later clarified that the post was indeed directed at these two rivals, using social media as an outlet for his frustration after AEW lost to NXT in the ratings for that night.
This public outburst underscored not only the intensifying rivalry but also Khan’s willingness to use digital platforms to call out what he saw as aggressive counter-programming tactics from WWE. The moment quickly ignited discussions throughout the wrestling community, making Tony Khan and AEW stars social media rants a focal point of debate among fans and insiders alike.
Jon Moxley’s Lawsuit and Ricochet’s Raw Comment
Events in and out of the AEW ring often spill onto social media, and the legal drama between Jon Moxley and former AEW production team member Christopher Dispensa is a striking example. Dispensa, known for his work ringside, filed a lawsuit against both Moxley and AEW for alleged negligence and civil assault. The dispute arose from an incident two years earlier when Moxley shoved Dispensa during a violent Steel Cage match with Kenny Omega, allegedly causing severe spinal and shoulder injuries that required surgery.
The legal case sparked widespread commentary, with many personalities weighing in. One of the more controversial reactions came from WWE star Ricochet, who has recently ramped up his social media presence, especially after his onscreen turn as a heel. Ricochet criticized Dispensa through a blunt and inflammatory tweet:
“We live in a world of pu**ies.”
—Ricochet
This explicit post was deleted shortly after being published, as Ricochet seemingly realized the backlash it might provoke. Despite the deletion, his words circulated widely, drawing intense responses from wrestling fans and further fueling online debates over accountability, the role of social media, and the evolving culture surrounding wrestlers’ public statements.
Dax Harwood Challenges Vince McMahon’s Tag Team Philosophy
Tag team wrestling has historically struggled for consistent respect in major promotions, and Dax Harwood, half of AEW’s acclaimed FTR duo with Cash Wheeler, has been especially vocal about this reality. Despite achieving championship success in WWE, ROH, and AEW, Harwood expressed ongoing dissatisfaction with how WWE—under Vince McMahon’s leadership—treated tag team athletes, relegating them to lesser roles and offering inadequate compensation.
Responding to an X/Twitter post about the value of tag team wrestling, Harwood pulled no punches as he detailed his issues with McMahon’s booking philosophy and the pay disparities endured by tag team wrestlers. He underscored that he and Wheeler, despite their heavy match schedule, were among the lowest-paid acts in WWE at the time, attributing this to the company’s lack of investment in the art form. The discussion extended beyond WWE, as Harwood pointed to a pattern of online trolling directed at him for criticizing McMahon, clarifying that his frustration was with specific management decisions, not the larger organization or its fans.
By airing these grievances so publicly, Harwood fueled a broader conversation among wrestlers and fans. His comments continue to highlight the contentious relationship between promoters and performers regarding respect for tag team wrestling, a central aspect of AEW’s outreach and identity.
Mercedes Mone Fires Back at Detractors During Live Stream
Since joining AEW, Mercedes Mone (formerly known as Sasha Banks) has received a mixed response to her performances. While the promotion, led by Tony Khan, has showcased her talents and granted prominent storylines, not all fans have embraced her transition from WWE, with some labeling it a “downgrade.”
Mone addressed this criticism head-on during a recent Instagram Live session. When confronted by a fan who called her move to AEW a step down, she responded with a passionate and emphatic rejection of that notion, emphasizing her satisfaction with her current career and growth in AEW, both as a performer and financially. Mone’s rant reflected her desire to move forward rather than rest on past glories and conveyed her offense at those questioning her ambitions and achievements in AEW.
Her powerful declaration contributed another memorable moment to the list of Tony Khan and AEW stars social media rants, giving insight into the emotional intensity many performers attach to their careers and public perception. The candid remarks also spotlighted the ongoing divide between wrestling fanbases and the way individual legacies are debated online.
The Ripple Effect of Social Media Drama in Professional Wrestling
The public outbursts by Tony Khan and several AEW stars on social platforms have escalated the intensity of wrestling rivalries and shaped fan interactions. These emotionally charged responses—whether aimed at WWE, critics, or even former colleagues—have blurred the boundaries between professional storytelling and personal authenticity. As AEW continues to carve its place in the wrestling world, expect more heated exchanges, passionate defenses, and viral moments, reinforcing the reality that social media is now as vital to wrestling as the contests themselves.
