On a recent episode of Keepin’ it 100, wrestling veteran Konnan addressed the controversial subject of why Tony Khan is not pushing AEW star Taya Valkyrie. While Valkyrie’s talent is widely recognized, her booking has remained unclear and inconsistent since joining the company.
Valkyrie’s Unsettled Run in AEW
Taya Valkyrie, once positioned in a major rivalry against Jade Cargill for the TBS Championship, has seen her opportunities stall following her debut. Since that high-profile clash, Valkyrie has not been placed into another major feud and her appearances have become sporadic. Currently, she is aligned with the faction The Vendetta alongside Deonna Purrazzo and occasionally appears at ringside for her husband, Johnny TV, but true prominence has eluded her.
Konnan Questions Valkyrie’s Treatment
Konnan expressed his frustration with Valkyrie’s underwhelming booking, indicating that her skill set, charisma, and appearance should have led to far greater opportunities within AEW. He drew a comparison between Tony Khan’s decisions and the approach of Vince McMahon, suggesting that personal preference heavily shapes who receives a top spot.
“So, that doesn’t surprise me, the Taya thing does. ‘Cause Taya can speak Spanish, English, can go, she’s in great shape. She looks like a f***ing movie star, you know? Her attire is ridiculous. She always has her hair very kinda like… I don’t know, bro. She just has it all. But you know, it’s like Vince, right? If Tony doesn’t like you, or doesn’t see something in you, he’s not going to use you. So, I can’t believe he sees something in some of these Japanese girls or Skye Blue that he doesn’t see, you know. [2:15-2:56]”
—Konnan, Wrestling Personality
Discontent Grows Among The Vendetta Members
Not only Valkyrie, but also her fellow faction member Deonna Purrazzo has struggled to find momentum in AEW. Despite the potential surrounding the formation of The Vendetta, their matches often end in losses when facing main-event opponents, casting doubt on the faction’s overall credibility. Wins have been scarce where it matters most, reinforcing fan concerns regarding their place within the company’s hierarchy.
Recently responding to fans about her expected television presence, Purrazzo provided a blunt answer about her lack of screen time.
“During picture in picture, probably,” she wrote. —Deonna Purrazzo, AEW Wrestler
A Missed Opportunity for AEW?
Both Taya Valkyrie and Deonna Purrazzo have established records of success in other promotions and have shown the ability to deliver compelling storylines. However, their current direction suggests they are waiting for Tony Khan to invest more fully in their talents. With mounting criticism and direct comparisons to past wrestling executives such as Vince McMahon, the ongoing booking of these stars continues to be questioned by fans and insiders alike.
As the AEW women’s division seeks to enhance its reputation, the decision to not feature fan favorites like Valkyrie more prominently may have lasting effects, particularly as the roster features many talented individuals eager for the spotlight. The future remains uncertain for Valkyrie and The Vendetta, but calls for change and better utilization of established stars are growing louder.
