Several wrestlers within All Elite Wrestling (AEW) have voiced serious concerns regarding Tony Khan’s leadership abilities, suggesting that he lacks strong leadership qualities. These criticisms come amid preparations for AEW’s upcoming event, All Out, set to take place at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada later this month. The focus on Khan’s management comes after negative remarks surfaced from former AEW talent and creative professionals.
Veteran Wrestler Konnan Criticizes Tony Khan’s Leadership Style
Konnan, a seasoned wrestling figure currently working with Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide’s creative team, recently spoke out about Khan’s leadership on the Keepin‘ It 100 OFFICIAL podcast. He emphasized that Khan does not possess the essential qualities needed to be an effective leader within the dynamic environment of AEW.
“What can he do to.. Bro, first of all, you have to have leadership qualities. You’re either born with them, somebody teaches them to you, but he’s not a natural leader, he’s not a strong leader, he’s very wishy-washy, he’ll tell you one thing, and then another, and then another, and you’re like, ‘Bro, you told me this, and you told me that, and now you’re telling me this?'”
—Konnan, Wrestling Veteran
According to Konnan, many performers in AEW follow Khan’s directives without question, often doing so merely to maintain their paychecks rather than out of genuine respect or agreement with the creative vision.
“And then, you know, a lot of people don’t wanna make waves, they’re getting paid, and they’re like, ‘Whatever he wants to f****** do,’ and I don’t want to say names, ’cause there’s people, I tell them, I go, ‘Why’d you do that?’ He goes, ‘Tony’s idea.’ I go, ‘Why’d you go along with it?’ He goes, ‘I don’t give a f***, just pay me.’ And when you’re working like that that’s not a good place to be. He knows he has the power, and he’s not a guy that, you know, a lot of the boys over there that talk to me respect.”
—Konnan, Wrestling Veteran
Context Behind the AEW Leadership Criticism and Upcoming Events
This wave of criticism towards Tony Khan coincides with AEW’s recently held Forbidden Door pay-per-view event in London, England, which brought together talent from multiple promotions. Now, Khan and AEW are focusing on promoting All Out in Toronto, a significant event expected to draw considerable attention.
The challenge for Khan appears to go beyond simply booking events; it involves gaining and maintaining the trust and respect of AEW’s talent roster. Jake Hager, a former AEW wrestler, also publicly expressed frustration with Khan in recent interviews, indicating ongoing tensions within the company’s leadership structure.
Current AEW Dynamite Card and Future Developments
AEW continues its regular programming at the historic 2300 Arena, with the upcoming September 3 edition of Wednesday Night Dynamite featuring two key matches already announced. An All-Star 8-person tag team match will see JetSpeed, Kenny Omega, and World Champion Hangman Page facing off against The Young Bucks and members of the Don Callis Family, Kyle Fletcher and Josh Alexander.
In addition, Mercedes Mone is scheduled to defend the TBS Championship against challenger Alex Windsor. While these matchups have been confirmed, there is anticipation about what further announcements Tony Khan might reveal for Dynamite’s episode, testing his creative control amidst ongoing leadership criticism.
The Significance of Leadership in AEW’s Path Forward
The questioning of Tony Khan’s leadership comes at a pivotal time for AEW, as the company seeks to expand its presence internationally and solidify its position as a major wrestling promotion. Khan’s ability to inspire confidence among performers and maintain a coherent creative direction will be instrumental in navigating the company’s future.
With talents like Kenny Omega, Hangman Page, and others involved in high-profile bouts, the strength of AEW’s leadership will likely impact both internal morale and fan perception. Observers and insiders will be watching closely to see whether Khan can address the concerns raised by Konnan and former AEW stars, and steer the company through its next chapter.
