AEW’s Tony Khan has come under fire following his recent decision regarding the booking of former WWE star Tommaso Ciampa, who made a notable impact after joining AEW. The controversy centers on Ciampa’s rapid loss of the TNT Championship title shortly after his debut, stirring debate among wrestling fans and professionals alike.
Tommaso Ciampa’s Swift Rise and Unexpected Title Loss
After spending ten years with WWE, Tommaso Ciampa transitioned to All Elite Wrestling as a free agent, immediately making his presence felt. He marked his AEW debut by defeating Mark Briscoe to claim the TNT Championship, signaling strong initial momentum for the former DIY member. However, the promising trajectory quickly stalled when Ciampa lost the title to Kyle Fletcher merely 12 days later. Fletcher then successfully defended the championship against Briscoe in a memorable ladder match at the AEW Grand Slam Australia event held in Sydney, Fletcher’s hometown.
Veteran Critique Highlights Booking Concerns
Jim Cornette, a respected veteran in the wrestling community, openly criticized AEW’s handling of Ciampa’s early AEW run during a recent episode of The Experience on YouTube. Cornette expressed disbelief over the abruptness of the title loss, suggesting it undermined Ciampa’s momentum and potential impact in AEW’s storylines.
“How did they present that to Tommaso? Okay. Okay. We’re going to sign you to this deal. Great. We’re going to bring you in, have you challenge Mark Briscoe. Great. We’re going to have you wrestle Mark Briscoe and beat him for the title. Great. And in the very next match you have, you’re going to lose it to another guy. What? They had something with Ciampa and people were talking about him. And with his first three weeks in the company, he’s won and won. He’s won a belt and lost a belt already. How can they justify this in their little pea brains?” – H/T ITR Wrestling
Tony Khan’s Perspective Amid Talent Moves
In response to questions about WWE’s recruitment of top AEW wrestlers, Tony Khan expressed optimism about the company’s progress and direction. He emphasized AEW’s status as a desirable workplace for current wrestling talents worldwide, highlighting the company’s commitment to developing top-tier stars and retaining them.
“It makes me feel incredible. I feel really great about what we’re doing at AEW right now, and I think wrestlers around the world want to be here. AEW is where the best wrestle. We’re seeing women and men across pro wrestling show that this is where so many of the greatest stars have chosen to be—and to stay—for a reason.” – Tony Khan
With the Revolution 2026 pay-per-view event fast approaching, AEW fans and critics alike await Tony Khan and his creative team’s next moves, eager to see how the company will continue to position its talent and storylines moving forward.
