The wrestling community has always been a passionate and vocal group, with strong opinions on the direction of their favorite promotions. In recent years, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has emerged as a major player in the industry, offering an alternative to the long-standing dominance of WWE. However, despite its initial success, AEW has faced its fair share of criticism, with much of the blame being placed on the company’s CEO and head honcho, Tony Khan.
As AEW gears up for their highly anticipated Double or Nothing PPV in Las Vegas, the internet is buzzing with criticism of the build-up to the event. And once again, Tony Khan’s booking decisions are at the center of it all.
Khan, who is also the founder and owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team, has been heavily involved in the creative direction of AEW since its inception in 2019. While his passion for the business is undeniable, his booking decisions have often left fans scratching their heads and questioning his understanding of the wrestling industry.
One of the biggest gripes of the wrestling community is AEW’s failure to capture the coveted 18-34 demographic viewership. This age group is crucial for any wrestling promotion as they are the ones who are most likely to spend money on merchandise and attend live events. And unfortunately, AEW has been struggling to attract this demographic, with viewership numbers dropping in recent months.
Many fans and critics have pointed to Tony Khan’s booking as the main reason for this decline. His insistence on pushing certain wrestlers, who may not be as popular with the younger audience, has resulted in a lack of fresh and exciting storylines. This, coupled with repetitive and predictable matches, has led to a loss of interest among the 18-34 demographic.
But the criticism doesn’t stop there. Khan’s booking has also been accused of being inconsistent and lacking long-term planning. This has resulted in confusing and disjointed storylines, with no clear direction for the characters. As a result, fans have become frustrated and disengaged, leading to a decline in viewership.
The build-up to AEW’s Double or Nothing PPV has only amplified these concerns. The lackluster storylines and repetitive matches have failed to generate the same level of excitement and anticipation as previous events. And once again, fans are pointing the finger at Tony Khan’s booking decisions.
In a recent interview, former WWE writer Vince Russo called out Khan’s booking, stating, “It’s a bunch of sh*t. It’s a bunch of sh*t. It’s a bunch of sh*t. It’s a bunch of sh*t.” While his language may be harsh, Russo’s sentiment is shared by many in the wrestling community.
But it’s not all doom and gloom for AEW. The promotion has a talented roster of wrestlers, and when given the opportunity, they have delivered some incredible matches. However, it’s clear that the booking needs to improve if AEW wants to continue to grow and compete with the likes of WWE.
So, what can Tony Khan do to turn things around? Firstly, he needs to listen to the fans and take their feedback into consideration. While it’s important to have a vision for the promotion, it’s equally important to listen to the audience and adapt accordingly. This will not only help in attracting the 18-34 demographic but also create a more engaged and loyal fan base.
Secondly, Khan needs to focus on long-term planning and consistency in his booking. This will help in creating compelling storylines and keeping fans invested in the characters and their journeys. It’s also essential to give opportunities to new and upcoming talent, rather than relying on the same few wrestlers.
Finally, Khan needs to trust his team and delegate some of the creative responsibilities. As a busy CEO, it’s understandable that he wants to be involved in every aspect of AEW. However, by trusting his team and allowing them to take on more creative control, he can free up some of his time and focus on other aspects of the promotion.
In conclusion, while Tony Khan’s passion for the wrestling industry is admirable, his booking decisions have been a major cause for concern among fans. As AEW prepares for their Double or Nothing PPV, it’s crucial for Khan to take a step back and reevaluate his approach to booking. By listening to the fans, focusing on long-term planning, and trusting his team, he can turn things around and lead AEW to
