Tony Khan, CEO of Jacksonville-based AEW, has addressed recent criticism about the promotion’s storytelling approach, affirming his commitment to the company’s distinct vision. As debates continue over whether AEW’s product prioritizes long-term storylines or leans too heavily on in-ring action, Khan has fired back at detractors, insisting that AEW’s direction remains true to its roots and fans.
AEW Faces Ongoing Scrutiny Over Storytelling
All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and its chief executive, Tony Khan, frequently draw criticism from wrestling fans and analysts, many of whom feel the company lacks consistent long-form storytelling. Industry observers often reference the 1990s era of WWE and WCW, noting how serialized tales featuring ongoing character developments helped capture the interest of casual viewers. These storylines, they argue, became as vital as the matches themselves, creating emotional investment in the outcome of rivalries and feuds.
In contrast, critics argue that AEW’s focus on high-quality wrestling sometimes comes at the expense of character arcs and continuity. This, they believe, results in engaging matches for dedicated wrestling fans, but risks losing the attention of casual viewers who might crave deeper narratives as part of their experience.
Khan Responds to Criticism, Cites AEW’s Authentic Approach
Speaking in an interview with Jon Alba, Tony Khan directly addressed concerns about AEW’s style, stating that critics misunderstand the company’s intentions and presentation. Khan, who has steered AEW since its launch, defended his leadership and AEW’s unique blend of action and storytelling.
“I think it’s best for AEW to tell stories and put on wrestling matches with a focus that is best described as authentic to AEW.”
– Tony Khan, CEO
He referred back to AEW’s early shows to highlight periods when storytelling played a significant role alongside strong in-ring performances, calling out memorable moments such as the saga involving Hangman and Kenny. Khan pointed out that AEW has always strived for a balance between character-driven storylines and match quality, which he believes sets them apart from others in the industry.
“There are great stories that people could talk about at length if they’re AEW fans and want to point out that there were a lot of stories in the early AEW. Hangman and Kenny is a great example of that… If you look back at some of those early shows, you can see how great the wrestling was and how great the TV was.”
– Tony Khan, CEO
AEW’s 2025 Vision: Distinct Paths and Character Focus
Looking to the future, Khan emphasized that AEW in 2025 is forging its own direction rather than copying formats used by WWE or other long-standing wrestling promotions. For Khan, authenticity remains at the forefront, and he views storytelling not as a trade-off with wrestling quality, but as a complementary force.
“This year, I’ve been trying to make sure that the presentation is authentic to AEW — not trying to be like any other wrestling company. We can take the best wrestling we have and focus on the characters… and their relationships with each other, while still keeping the focus on the wrestling.”
– Tony Khan, CEO
He reiterated that AEW’s mission involves maintaining wrestling excellence while fleshing out meaningful stories through their diverse roster of characters. Khan suggested that the promotion has managed to achieve both, pointing to a strong year for matches and storylines alike.
“You don’t have to sacrifice the wrestling to tell great stories, and we’ve shown that in 2025. I think we’ve had more great wrestling matches across TV and pay-per-views and told more interesting stories.”
– Tony Khan, CEO
What This Means for AEW and Wrestling Fans
Tony Khan’s comments reinforce his dedication to maintaining AEW’s unique identity in a competitive landscape shared with WWE and other promotions. By focusing on wrestling quality and character-driven narratives, Khan aims to appeal both to die-hard wrestling fans and viewers seeking emotionally charged rivalries. AEW’s balanced strategy may continue to spark debate among critics and fans, but Khan’s resolve signals that the company will move forward on its own terms—potentially shaping future storylines and industry standards as it does so.
