AEW CEO Tony Khan reportedly ignored messages from veteran wrestler Chris Jericho during their time working together, according to an insider’s account. This revelation sheds light on tensions behind the scenes within All Elite Wrestling, where Jericho was once a key figure.
Background on Chris Jericho’s Role in AEW’s Early Days
When AEW launched in 2019 as a competitor to WWE, Chris Jericho was instrumental in establishing credibility for the new promotion. Already a well-known former world champion, Jericho became the first AEW World Champion, symbolizing his importance to the company. Alongside founders like Tony Khan, Cody Rhodes, Kenny Omega, and The Young Bucks, Jericho helped build AEW’s reputation as a serious wrestling alternative.
Jake Hager Shares Inside Story on Tony Khan’s Management Style
Jake Hager, a close associate of Jericho, recently disclosed on the WrestleBinge podcast that Tony Khan’s approach to booking has caused frustration among veteran wrestlers. Initially, Khan welcomed creative input from talents such as Cody Rhodes, but after Rhodes left AEW, the leadership reportedly consisted mainly of individuals who rarely challenged Khan’s decisions. Hager suggested this led to a lack of direction in delivering engaging, story-driven wrestling shows.
Jericho Experienced Communication Issues with AEW Leadership
Despite Jericho’s status, Hager revealed that Khan would sometimes disappear for extended periods during storyline discussions. As he put it,
“Chris [Jericho], obviously, thought a big say in what he was doing, but even Chris—he would tell me that Tony [Khan] would not respond to his messages for like, two weeks!” —Jake Hager, AEW Insider
This gap in communication reportedly left Jericho and others feeling sidelined, even after their contributions to AEW’s initial success.
Jericho’s Frustrations Trace Back to WWE Experiences
Before joining AEW, Jericho ended his WWE tenure on a sour note. He and Kevin Owens worked extensively to build a compelling storyline that fans anticipated would culminate in a world title match at WrestleMania. However, WWE chairman Vince McMahon relegated their contest to the second spot on the card, making it a United States Championship bout instead. This disappointment contributed to Jericho’s decision to leave WWE.
Implications for AEW’s Creative Environment
The revelation that Tony Khan ghosted Chris Jericho highlights ongoing concerns about the leadership’s creative process within AEW. Given Jericho’s veteran status and pivotal role, this communication breakdown may signal deeper issues regarding wrestler involvement in storytelling decisions. How this dynamic will evolve remains to be seen, but it could influence AEW’s future direction as it continues to compete in a crowded wrestling market.
