At AEW Grand Slam Mexico, Tony Khan’s controversial decisions at AEW Grand Slam Mexico have ignited considerable debate among wrestling enthusiasts, following a night of historic matches and unexpected outcomes at Arena Mexico. The event featured major collaborations and landmark bouts, but certain booking choices left fans divided about the direction of All Elite Wrestling and its future.
Historic Night for AEW in Mexico City
AEW, in partnership with CMLL, made history by staging their first-ever live taping at the iconic Arena Mexico, marking the third consecutive special Dynamite episode after Fyter Fest and Summer Blockbuster. Unlike the previous marathon shows, this installment ran for two and a half hours, aiming for a condensed yet action-packed experience for the Mexican audience. The event card highlighted marquee matches, such as the CMLL World Women’s Championship showdown between Mercedes Mone and Zeuxis, and a high-stakes 10-man tag featuring The Death Riders and The Young Bucks versus The Opps, Swerve Strickland, and Will Ospreay, closing out the spectacle on a dramatic note.
Fan Frustrations with Booking Choices
Despite intense in-ring performances that upheld AEW’s reputation, attention quickly turned to several decisions by Tony Khan that have since become points of contention among fans and observers. As the AEW President shaped the night’s results, four key issues emerged, fueling skepticism about the company’s creative direction.
Mercedes Mone’s Title Win Draws Criticism
Mercedes Mone, also known as “The CEO,” continued her run as a belt collector by defeating Zeuxis to claim her sixth championship, the CMLL World Women’s Title. However, the outcome seemed apparent before the bell even rang, raising questions about the predictability of her matches and the sustainability of her current trajectory. Doubts have surfaced about how AEW will manage Mone’s multiple titles, especially as she is slated to challenge Toni Storm for the AEW Women’s World Championship at the upcoming All In event while still holding the TBS Championship. This crowded title situation poses logistical headaches for Tony Khan, as dropping championships without diminishing other talented performers in the women’s division becomes increasingly complex.
Shaky Logic Behind Ospreay and Strickland Alliance
Another issue that fueled the backlash involved the sudden alliance of Will Ospreay and Swerve Strickland. After their fierce draw at AEW Summer Blockbuster, fans expected further development in their heated rivalry, considering their previous backstage altercation and unresolved tension. Yet, at Grand Slam Mexico, the two teamed up seamlessly, just one week after Ospreay intervened to save Strickland from an attack by The Young Bucks. The rapid reconciliation appeared rushed, as the lingering animosity between the “Aerial Assassin” and “The Realest” could have been leveraged for heightened drama rather than quickly moving into a cooperative dynamic. Many believe Tony Khan missed an opportunity to let the tension simmer and add emotional depth to future storylines.
Underwhelming Payoff for MJF vs. Mistico
The MJF versus Mistico match had been building substantial anticipation, largely driven by MJF’s villainous antics and his revival of the controversial American hero persona. The storyline was further fueled by past incidents related to unmasking and confrontations. However, the highly-awaited clash ended in a lackluster fashion, as Mistico secured victory via disqualification following a blatant low blow by MJF. While the former AEW World Champion succeeded in unmasking Mistico, as promised, the abrupt ending failed to deliver the payback fans were expecting. The lack of guidance on MJF’s next steps ahead of All In, now less than a month away, added to the dissatisfaction and uncertainty swirling around his character’s immediate future.
Bryan Danielson’s Untelevised Return Disappoints Fans
Eight months after stepping away from competition, Bryan Danielson made a surprise return at Grand Slam Mexico. His unexpected rescue of Blue Panther created a memorable moment, electrifying Arena Mexico with a wave of raucous “Yes!” chants and drawing an outpouring of emotion from the crowd. Despite the significance of his comeback, the segment was not broadcast during the main show. Given Danielson’s stature and the pent-up excitement surrounding his return, the decision to leave this dramatic revelation off the airwaves puzzled many, as it represented a pivotal opportunity to boost AEW’s ratings and reconnect with a global audience.
Broader Implications and What to Watch Next
The event at AEW Grand Slam Mexico reinforced All Elite Wrestling’s dedication to expanding its international presence and strengthening ties with historic venues like Arena Mexico. However, Tony Khan’s controversial decisions at AEW Grand Slam Mexico have cast a shadow over the promotion’s creative direction. Balancing growing talent rosters, multiple championships, and compelling storylines remains a major challenge, as underscored by fan reactions. With All In on the horizon and unresolved rivalries and questions swirling about major stars such as Mercedes Mone, Will Ospreay, Swerve Strickland, MJF, and Bryan Danielson, the wrestling world waits to see how AEW’s leadership will respond and whether these contentious choices will shape or hinder future momentum.
