Tony Khan, AEW’s President, has been crafting an exciting lineup for the upcoming AEW All Out event, scheduled next week, which is poised to compete directly with WWE‘s Wrestlepalooza. As part of the buildup, Khan officially announced the return of Eddie Kingston, the former AEW Continental Champion, who has been absent from the ring since May 2024. Kingston is set to face Big Bill in what was expected to be a major highlight.
Despite the anticipation that Kingston’s comeback would be a remarkable moment, fans expressed frustration over how Khan booked the return. The announcement came abruptly, with no prior teasers or hints, leaving many viewers feeling the surprise element was squandered. Big Bill’s recent challenge to Kingston was the only prior mention of the Mad King before Khan’s reveal, making the booking seem hasty and poorly executed in fans’ eyes.
Following the announcement, numerous reactions surfaced on social media, with many criticizing Khan’s decision to reveal Kingston’s return prematurely instead of building suspense. Some voiced harsh opinions, labeling Khan as a poor booker for mishandling what could have been a more impactful storyline, dampening the excitement surrounding AEW All Out.
The Support Behind Kingston’s Difficult Road to Recovery
Eddie Kingston has faced significant obstacles in recent months due to a serious leg injury sustained in May 2023 during a match against Gabe Kidd at NJPW STRONG Resurgence. The injury forced Kingston into an extended period away from wrestling, during which he encountered financial hardship related to surgery costs. In a candid discussion on Cezar Bononi’s YouTube channel, Kingston disclosed that Tony Khan personally intervened to assist with expenses after his insurance fell short.
“The day of the knee surgery, they said, ‘Oh no, we’re not covering.’ And the surgeon kind of knew that was going to happen because he’s seen this before with this kind of insurance. And he was like, ‘Let me make a couple of calls.’ And then, of course, you know, Tony took care of it. I’ll say it, thank god.” —Eddie Kingston, AEW Continental Champion
This revelation highlighted Khan’s role beyond just booking matches, showing a personal commitment to supporting his wrestlers during challenging times. Kingston’s gratitude suggests a strong professional relationship despite fan criticism of Khan’s booking decisions.
Fan Reactions Cast Doubt on Booking Strategy’s Effectiveness
While Eddie Kingston’s return was eagerly awaited, the fanbase’s reaction makes clear that not all were satisfied with the approach Tony Khan took to reintroducing the former champion. The abrupt reveal removed much of the mystery and surprise that could have elevated the feud with Big Bill, a fresh and increasingly prominent competitor. Fans feel that a slower buildup with cryptic promos or subtle hints could have generated greater anticipation and a more memorable moment.
AEW All Out remains a pivotal event for the company, positioned as a direct rival to WWE’s big summer show, Wrestlepalooza. How Tony Khan manages key talent like Kingston in these high-profile matches is crucial to maintaining AEW’s momentum and fan enthusiasm. As Kingston returns after a significant injury layoff, his performance and the storyline’s reception will be closely watched to see if AEW can capitalize on this opportunity moving forward.
