Tony Khan lessons from Triple H are increasingly relevant as both AEW and WWE occupy central roles in today’s wrestling world, with fans and experts regularly comparing their approaches. While Tony Khan is praised for several of AEW’s innovations, there remains a growing sense he could adopt key tactics from Triple H to strengthen AEW’s position and compete more effectively with WWE.
Adopting Concise Event Formats for Audience Engagement
Historically, WWE’s biggest shows often ran for excessive lengths, sometimes extending over five hours, especially under Vince McMahon’s direction. For example, WrestleMania 35 lasted well beyond five hours, leading to fan fatigue as the night wore on. Since Triple H assumed creative control, WWE has restructured its premium live events, focusing on a compact format with about four or five matches per show, typically not exceeding three hours. This approach prioritizes energy, ensuring that fans remain engaged all the way to the main event.
AEW pay-per-views frequently exceed four hours and often include an abundance of matches, as seen with events like Double or Nothing, which recently featured two pre-show bouts and nine main card contests. While variety appeals to some, the prolonged format can sap enthusiasm toward the end of the night. This overextension risks diminishing the spotlight on main event athletes and can ultimately result in a less memorable viewing experience for fans and participants alike. Drawing on Triple H’s example, Tony Khan could concentrate on fewer, more meaningful segments and matches, enhancing pacing and crowd participation throughout AEW’s featured events.
Building Homegrown Talent Through Targeted Development
One of Triple H’s most significant achievements within WWE has been establishing NXT as a development hub. NXT has produced some of WWE’s biggest stars, including Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, Sami Zayn, and Bron Breakker. Complementing this, WWE has supported further initiatives like the NIL and WWE ID programs, all designed to foster emerging talent and ensure a steady flow of new main-eventers for years to come.
In comparison, AEW’s track record at cultivating its own stars has been mixed. MJF stands out as a major homegrown success, but other fresh talents have struggled to break through, especially when championships and spotlight moments increasingly go to former WWE talent. Without a dedicated developmental path or similar infrastructure, the promotion risks stagnation and overreliance on established names. By embracing a model akin to NXT, Tony Khan could ensure AEW nurtures its next generation, investing in athletes who can carry the brand forward and respond to shifting fan interests.
Effective Talent Management Amid a Crowded Roster
AEW’s roster has grown considerably since its launch, resulting in challenges when allocating TV time and maintaining morale among performers. When wrestlers like Ricky Saints, Rusev, and the Lucha Bros find themselves sidelined for extended stretches without clear creative direction, departures become more likely. Even though AEW offers multiple weekly shows, not all talents receive the consistent exposure they seek, intensifying competition for limited screen time.
Conversely, WWE, under Triple H, has generally managed its sizable roster with better flexibility. Although performers like Karrion Kross sometimes go underutilized, most remain active—if not on the flagship shows RAW and SmackDown, then in developmental spaces such as NXT or Evolve. This kind of structured roster management can keep talent motivated and offer chances for reinvention, potentially reducing attrition. If Tony Khan adopts similar internal transfers and development opportunities, AEW may see lower turnover and stronger performer loyalty in the long run.
Outlook for AEW and the Road Ahead
Tony Khan faces pivotal decisions if AEW seeks to close the gap with WWE and strengthen its reputation among fans and wrestlers alike. Implementing shorter event formats, investing in the development of homegrown talent, and refining roster management strategies could address persistent challenges and counteract talent losses. These changes, as demonstrated by Triple H’s success within WWE, may well be essential for AEW’s sustainability and growth, especially in a competitive wrestling landscape where innovation and adaptability are constant requirements. It remains to be seen which direction Khan will take and whether these lessons will be fully embraced for AEW’s future evolution.
