Tony Khan hosted AEW Grand Slam in Australia this past weekend, a landmark event that has significantly influenced the trajectory of All Elite Wrestling ahead of the upcoming Revolution pay-per-view. While the show provided several memorable moments, it elicited divided opinions among fans, reflecting both successes and missteps in execution. The event included a notable Continental Championship defense by Jon Moxley and a main event where MJF retained his title against Brody King, setting the stage to analyze Tony Khan’s major errors and achievements at Grand Slam.
Significant Errors in Booking at AEW Grand Slam
Controversial Defeat for Megan Bayne and Penelope Ford
Megan Bayne and Penelope Ford entered AEW Grand Slam as credible contenders for the AEW World Women’s Tag Team Championship against the reigning Babes of Wrath. Prior to their match, Khan successfully built anticipation around Bayne and Ford as legitimate threats. However, the duo suffered an unexpected loss to the team of Harley Cameron and Willow Nightingale during the Australia event, a decision that caught many fans off guard. The Babes of Wrath, widely perceived as stagnating champions, faced criticism for their continued dominance, while fans had eagerly awaited a title run for Bayne. This missed opportunity to elevate new champions has led to calls for change in AEW’s women’s tag division.
Delayed Debut of IInspiration Dampens Anticipation
Another notable miscalculation involved the debut timing of IInspiration, featuring Cassie Lee and Jessi McKay. Given both athletes’ Australian heritage and their established reputations as former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, many expected their introduction to occur during AEW’s premier Australian event, Grand Slam. Instead, their official debut took place at a non-televised House Rules show held in Brisbane, leading to confusion among fans who anticipated a higher-profile launch. This decision arguably diminished the potential buzz and media coverage that could have been generated by integrating IInspiration into AEW’s biggest Australian show.
Andrade’s Loss Undermines Momentum and Impact
Perhaps the most consequential booking error was Andrade’s defeat to Hangman Adam Page in a high-stakes singles match that granted Page contention for the AEW World Championship. Andrade, also known as El Idolo, had built considerable momentum by defeating notable former champions such as Swerve Strickland and Kenny Omega on prior episodes of Dynamite. Losing to Page abruptly halted Andrade’s rising trajectory and lessened the significance of his earlier victories. Moreover, since Hangman Page has already clashed multiple times with MJF over the past year, this booking choice felt repetitive and insufficiently rewarding for Andrade’s consistent performances.
Positive Outcomes in AEW Grand Slam’s Programming
Kyle Fletcher’s Convincing AEW TNT Championship Defense
Kyle Fletcher delivered a standout performance in his successful defense of the AEW TNT Championship against Mark Briscoe in a highly competitive ladder match. Having recently won the title from Tommaso Ciampa on Dynamite, Fletcher’s strong showing at Grand Slam solidified his credibility as a dominant mid-card champion. Mark Briscoe, who previously held the TNT Championship before losing it to Ciampa, remained a strong challenger but was appropriately denied the title in this encounter. This decision supports Tony Khan’s strategy to establish fresh talent with the TNT Championship while the AEW World Championship scene remains highly competitive.
Wheeler Yuta’s Unforgettable Balding Moment Adds Entertainment Value
One of the most talked-about segments at Grand Slam featured Wheeler Yuta and Marina Shafir competing against Orange Cassidy and Toni Storm, with the stipulation that the person pinned would have to shave their head. Yuta ended up losing and was forced to undergo a live baldness in the ring. This humorous and surprising moment sparked widespread discussion and became an engaging highlight of the show. Adding to the drama, Jon Moxley intervened, ensuring Yuta honored the match stipulation, which also served to underline Moxley’s role as a heroic figure in AEW. This blend of lighthearted entertainment and top-tier talent enriched the event’s overall atmosphere.
Assessing Tony Khan’s Booking Decisions and Future Implications
Tony Khan’s AEW Grand Slam showcased both commendable creative choices and notable miscalculations. While Fletcher’s title defense and Yuta’s bald moment demonstrated effective storytelling and audience engagement, setbacks like Andrade’s loss and the underutilization of IInspiration exposed flaws in maximizing momentum and star power. The controversial booking of the women’s tag team championship also highlighted areas where AEW could renew focus to keep its divisions dynamic. Moving forward, how Khan addresses these mixed outcomes will influence AEW’s narrative strength and fan support as the promotion advances toward Revolution and beyond.
WHEELER YUTA HAS OFFICIALLY BEEN SHAVED BALD!
THE SHEEPDOG IS DEAD 😭😭😭 #AEW #AEWGrandSlam
— Self Made AO 💫 (@KXNGAO) February 15, 2026
