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Tony Khan Faces Big AEW Controversy Over Talent Disputes

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During the three-hour AEW Dynamite event titled ‘September To Remember’ on Wednesday, a heated confrontation unfolded between FTR and Christian Cage alongside Rated R Cope, escalating tensions just weeks before their scheduled All Out 2025 showdown. The two teams engaged in a face-to-face confrontation that rapidly devolved from verbal exchanges into a chaotic brawl inside the ring.

FTR accused Cope of attempting to overshadow their legacy, listing their storied history of defining matches against prominent tag teams, including #DIY, Enzo & Big Bill, The Young Bucks, and The Briscoes. Cope fired back by reminding FTR that he and Cage were already considered one of the greatest tag teams in wrestling history before FTR’s rise, referencing their iconic TLC matches that

“turned a match into a PPV.”

The verbal war quickly turned physical when Christian Cage struck Dax Harwood with a microphone, causing a severe cut. Security personnel rushed the ring but were overwhelmed as FTR executed their signature Shatter Machine maneuver, Cope delivered a spear, and Christian Cage followed with the Killswitch on another guard. The altercation ended with Cope and Cage standing victorious as they ran FTR out of the ring, signaling intensified rivalry heading into their upcoming clash.

Tony Khan Commends London, Ontario Crowd and Announces Annual Return

AEW President Tony Khan expressed enthusiasm over the atmosphere at the ‘September to Remember’ event in London, Ontario, praising the crowd’s energy throughout the opening hour. AEW recently held this special episode of Dynamite in the Canadian city, a location that previously hosted AEW Collision in March 2024. Khan took to Twitter, stating,

Tony Khan
Image of: Tony Khan

London, Ontario We are coming back here every year, YOU ARE TREMENDOUS #AEWDynamite NOW#SeptemberToRemember

— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan)

This announcement confirms AEW’s intent to continue holding significant events in London annually, reinforcing the city’s growing importance as a destination for large-scale wrestling shows.

Brandon Tate Accuses Tony Khan and AEW of Interfering With Independent Wrestling

In a serious development, Brandon Tate has publicly accused Tony Khan and AEW of withdrawing The Outrunners from a previously scheduled match against him and his brother. The match was set for September 28th at an ECC Wrestling event. This incident adds to ongoing legal disputes involving AEW’s classification of talent. Brandon, along with Kevin Kelly and the Tate Twins, is part of a lawsuit challenging AEW’s use of arbitration clauses and their designation of wrestlers as independent contractors rather than employees. Although a judge initially referred the case to arbitration, they have recently filed an appeal to pursue a class-action lawsuit.

In a detailed Facebook post, Brandon criticised AEW’s decision to remove The Outrunners from the ECC show, stating it

“[affected] the independent promotion, wrestlers, fans and everyone involved or planned on attending the show next weekend.”

He further shared,

My brother and I have grinded for almost two years trying to get our life back from the hole they left us in and were finally able to return to wrestling and make a little money for ourselves to try and bounce back.

Brandon also blamed Tony Khan for “ruining ROH” and accused him of pulling talent from independent promotions “just to get his way” while simultaneously keeping AEW wrestlers classified as independent contractors.

He concluded with an apology on behalf of himself, his brother, and ECC Wrestling, saying,

on behalf of my brother and ECC Wrestling for anyone looking forward to seeing us wrestle and giving ECC Wrestling a bad rep like they did the both of us.

Queen Aminata Shares Insights on Her Favorite Wrestling Gear

AEW star Queen Aminata recently revealed her all-time favorite ring attire during a new vlog on her YouTube channel. She highlighted that her preferred gear is the yellow outfit she wore at a recent Deadlock Pro Wrestling event. Aminata emphasized the importance of preparedness and hygiene before entering the ring, advising fellow female wrestlers to always wear fresh undergarments and use perfume and makeup wipes.

She said,

I forgot – I didn’t forget, I was pretty tired and sleepy, but I’m putting my gear on now, my favorite gear, and I want to tell you guys. Ladies wrestlers, always change your underwear before you go out there, because nobody want to smell the stinky of yours, so, a brand new one every single time, and then grab some perfume you gotta do that. Then I use makeup wipes.

Clarifying her use of makeup wipes, she continued,

Well, let me clarify this sensitive makeup wipes. That’s what you that’s what iIuse to clean mine you know what i mean? So, yeah. Okay, as promised, I am done changing. I’m wearing my favorite gear. The yellow one. The makeup is not makeuping today, but you know what? True beauty is confidence, and that, I have it one thousand percent.

Support and Critiques Follow Tony Khan’s Leadership Amid AEW Talent Issues

Recent developments have brought Tony Khan back into the spotlight over AEW’s management decisions. While he continues to receive praise for expanding AEW’s reach, such as committing to the London, Ontario market, allegations from wrestlers like Brandon Tate highlight ongoing dissatisfaction among talent regarding AEW’s business practices.

The dispute over the classification of wrestlers as independent contractors has broader implications for the wrestling industry, potentially affecting contracts, arbitration options, and talent rights. The legal challenge led by Kevin Kelly and the Tate Twins could set a precedent depending on the outcome of the appeal. Meanwhile, the removal of The Outrunners from indie shows raises questions about AEW’s influence over smaller promotions and its impact on wrestlers’ livelihoods outside the company.

AEW’s Wrestling Landscape Remains Dynamic With Upcoming Events and Storylines

The rivalry between FTR and Christian Cage & Cope is expected to remain a focal point at the upcoming All Out 2025 event in Toronto, promising intense drama in their continued feud. AEW’s ability to sustain compelling storylines will be critical to maintaining fan interest amid its expanding live event schedule, including annual shows in cities like London, Ontario.

At the same time, backstage controversies involving talent disputes and lawsuits underline the challenges facing Tony Khan’s leadership as AEW grows into a major wrestling organization. How these conflicts resolve and whether AEW will revise its policies regarding performers could significantly affect the company’s future trajectory and the broader landscape of professional wrestling.

Anthony Livas
Anthony Livas
Anthony Livas is a journalist at CynicalTimes.org, covering the world of All Elite Wrestling (AEW). With three years of experience, he provides comprehensive reporting on AEW’s men’s and women’s divisions, pay-per-views, and weekly show highlights. Anthony delivers timely updates, backstage insights, and analysis of storylines, rivalries, and in-ring performances. His work reflects a strong understanding of AEW’s fast-paced and evolving landscape, bringing clarity and excitement to fans following the promotion’s rise. Whether it’s a title match or a breakout debut, Anthony captures the key moments that define AEW today.
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