Former WWE head writer Vince Russo has publicly criticized Tony Khan, raising questions about AEW’s position on wrestler safety in the wake of recent comments by William Regal. As debate escalates following Regal’s strong warning to wrestlers, Tony Khan AEW criticism has become a focal point among wrestling veterans and fans.
Russo Responds to Khan’s Defense of AEW Safety Practices
At the end of 2025, William Regal attracted attention with a powerful statement urging wrestlers to steer clear of dangerously risky moves that risk ending their careers. This statement, dropping right after AEW Worlds End and a frightening incident involving Kyle Fletcher and Jon Moxley, generated intense discussions about safety in professional wrestling.
Tony Khan, President of AEW, defended the company by stating that AEW has rigorous safety measures and boasted that no member of the AEW roster has suffered a career-ending injury under his leadership. Vince Russo, on his show The Brand, didn’t hold back in criticizing Khan for what he saw as thoughtless commentary and attempts to please online fans rather than address serious concerns.
“Why would you say that? You’re setting yourself up for when you do have one. Tony just says some things, man. He just does not think out the things that he says,”
Russo said. – Vince Russo, Former WWE Head Writer
Al Snow Weighs In On AEW’s Niche Appeal
The conversation also included insights from Al Snow, another ex-WWE star, who agreed with Russo’s take and called out Tony Khan for targeting a specialized audience within the wrestling community. Snow claimed Khan’s approach has always been to resonate with the internet wrestling crowd rather than broader audiences.
“Well, he’s trying to appeal to that internet wrestling audience. We’ve talked about this from day one. The inception of being on the show and about AEW. And it is all about marketing to that niche audience, to the Dave Meltzer crowd, to the Dave Meltzer crew.”
– Al Snow, Former WWE Star
Al Snow added that the drive for viral moments and high ratings, encouraged by prominent journalists like Dave Meltzer, has pushed wrestlers to attempt increasingly risky maneuvers in the ring. This atmosphere, Snow argued, prioritizes spectacle over long-term safety, echoing the concerns voiced by Regal, Russo, and others.
What This Debate Means for AEW and Its Future Direction
The scrutiny of Tony Khan’s statements and AEW’s safety culture underlines a growing divide in the wrestling world about how much risk is acceptable in pursuit of fan attention and online virality. With high-profile figures like Vince Russo, William Regal, and Al Snow calling for greater care, the AEW leadership faces mounting pressure to balance innovation in matches with protecting talent. As 2025 progresses, AEW is likely to remain under the microscope regarding both its in-ring style and its response to criticism from within the industry.
