Tony Khan has invested significantly in AEW over the past six years, but questions arise over whether his biggest financial mistake involves a star even less productive than Andrade El Idolo. Andrade made a surprising comeback to AEW on the sixth anniversary of Dynamite, attacking Kenny Omega shortly after being fired from WWE under unusual circumstances.
While Andrade’s return sparked mixed reactions due to his controversial initial run in AEW, the discussion has shifted toward whether another former AEW talent, currently with WWE, represents a more glaring example of Tony Khan wasted money. This athlete, known in AEW as Miro, recently caught attention for failing to maximize his potential during his AEW tenure.
Evaluating Rusev’s Cost to AEW
On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer addressed the debate around Andrade’s comeback and mentioned Rusev’s (Miro’s) AEW stint, emphasizing how his time in the company might have been more disappointing from a financial standpoint. Meltzer remarked,
“Rusev, that was the most ill-spent money Tony Khan probably ever did. Or among them, I shouldn’t say the most but among them. This guy wouldn’t do anything in AEW and he goes to WWE and he’s putting over Dominik. He wouldn’t put over guys twice as good as Dominik in AEW.”
— Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Radio
Rusev’s involvement in AEW failed to deliver significant momentum or highlight moments despite Khan’s investment, whereas his WWE return saw him elevating newer talent like Dominik Mysterio. This contrast sharpened the perception that Rusev underperformed notably while under AEW’s banner.
The two former AEW stars, Rusev and Andrade, concluded their respective AEW runs around the same time, culminating in a high-profile clash at Worlds End 2023—all while their post-AEW careers have continued on diverging paths.
Recent Developments in AEW and WWE
Aside from this debate, AEW has seen other notable activity such as Jack Perry explaining his lengthy absence and surprising return to the promotion. The recent sixth anniversary of AEW Dynamite included major matches like Kyle Fletcher versus Orange Cassidy and several six-man tag team bouts.
Meanwhile, WWE has featured storylines involving wrestlers with AEW ties; for instance, Jimmy and Jey Uso recently reunited with Roman Reigns on RAW, maintaining high-profile narratives within WWE programming.
Context on AEW Talent Movements and Fan Reactions
Instances beyond the ring have also drawn attention, such as the arrest of an AEW fan in connection with a disturbing case involving underground captives. On a brighter note for Tony Khan, a former WWE star debuted on AEW programming during a major event night, reflecting ongoing talent exchanges between the companies.
Looking ahead, AEW has confirmed the venue and date for the 2025 Blood & Guts event, highlighting their commitment to returning to impactful live events. Additionally, fans anticipate a significant match announced for WWE SmackDown featuring Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton teaming up, bridging fans’ interest across both promotions.
The Broader Impact of Talent Investment Decisions
Scrutiny over how Tony Khan manages talent investments reflects broader tensions about the balance between star power and in-ring productivity within AEW. The cases of Andrade and Rusev illuminate the risks inherent in signing former WWE talents, especially when their performance may not align with the financial resources committed to them.
As AEW continues to grow, these discussions emphasize the need for strategic talent management to avoid repeating past errors and ensure the company’s resources foster genuine momentum and fan engagement. Whether Khan adapts his approach following these lessons remains to be seen, but this ongoing scrutiny signals pressure on AEW’s leadership to optimize its roster investments.
