5 AEW giants who have been completely misused by Tony Khan
AEW currently ranks second on the list of the most profitable wrestling promotions in the American market. While the Tony Khan-led company is yet to match WWE's commercial value, AEW is miles ahead of its Stamford-based competitor in terms of having a diverse roster.
The Jacksonville-based promotion is filled with several kinds of intriguing performers. While high flyers like Will Ospreay, Rey Fenix, and Matt Sydal have enjoyed success in AEW, technical wrestlers like Malakai Black, Bryan Danielson, and Katsuyori Shibata have thrived under Tony Khan's leadership.
Unfortunately, a specific category of wrestlers has struggled to leave their mark in All Elite Wrestling. Since the promotion's inception in 2019, not a single giant star has emerged as a main event talent. For a versatile booker like Tony Khan, it is unfortunate that he has been unable to elevate these larger-than-life figures.
Here's a look at five giants who have been completely misused by Tony Khan:
#5. Satnam Singh has spent the majority of time in the lower mid-card scene
Satnam Singh signed with All Elite Wrestling in September 2021. The gigantic star was paired with veterans like Sonjay Dutt and Jay Lethal right away, who possess great experience in the pro wrestling business.
Singh's signing looked like a wise business decision on Tony Khan's part. Keeping his Indian origins in mind, Satnam was brought in to help AEW conquer one of the biggest potential wrestling markets in the world.
Unfortunately, the former Dallas Mavericks star has remained stuck in the lower card since then. The giant has mostly been used as Jeff Jarrett's lackey, which has seriously affected his credibility as a performer.
Tony Khan has not tried doing anything different with the former NBA star, which has prevented him from getting over with the audience. With Satnam's recent demotion to the AEW broadcast team, it seems like the creative has given up on the 28-year-old star.
#4. Paul Wight has been underutilized by Tony Khan so far
Paul Wight (FKA The Big Show) has had a very underwhelming run in AEW so far. Following his debut in March 2021, the World's Largest Athlete has only made a handful of in-ring appearances in the Tony Khan-led company.
Wight battled Q.T. Marshall in his debut match at All Out 2021, which was a rather underwhelming choice for his first bout in the Jacksonville-based promotion. Since then, the WCW giant has primarily remained active on the commentary panel.
While Wight is admittedly way past his prime, he still could have been booked much better in AEW. Instead of wasting his minimal appearances against lower mid-card talents, Tony Khan could have used the former World Heavyweight Champion to put over future stars like Big Bill and Lance Archer.
#3. Lance Archer could have been a major star in AEW
Lance Archer has enjoyed tremendous success in the Japanese wrestling circuit. The Murderhawk Monster established himself as a dominant force in NJPW, which led him to multiple title wins in the promotion.
Unfortunately, the former IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion has failed to recreate his previous success in AEW. Despite being paired up with Jake "The Snake" Roberts, Archer could not cement himself as a top star, courtesy of his inconsistent booking.
Tony Khan could not come up with any solid plans for The Murderhawk Monster, which derailed all the momentum he had by his side. Defeats against Jon Moxley, Cody Rhodes, and Hangman Adam Page further diminished the intrigue surrounding his character.
Despite being a proven performer inside the squared circle, it is mind-boggling that Lance Archer was not pushed heavily by the AEW management.
#2. Killswitch has struggled to break out of Christian Cage's shadow
Killswitch (FKA Luchasaurus) is among the most talented giants in the pro wrestling industry. The former TNT Champion is supremely agile in the ring, making him one of the coolest performers in the Jacksonville promotion.
Despite winning multiple championships, Killswitch finds himself stuck in the mid-card scene. The former Jurassic Express member has struggled to break out of Christian Cage's shadow.
A charismatic personality as a babyface, Killswitch has suffered from being booked as a mindless monster throughout his heel run. The creative team has teased breaking up Killswitch's alliance with Christian Cage, even though the angle has been dragged for far too long.
Had he been booked properly, the 39-year-old could have had the same presence as The Big Red Machine, Kane.
#1. Wardlow currently has no momentum in All Elite Wrestling
Following his excellent feud with Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF), Wardlow emerged as one of the most popular homegrown talents in AEW. Fans were mighty impressed with Mr. Mayhem's larger-than-life persona, leading to demands for his coronation as the next AEW World Champion.
However, things soon went south for Wardlow when he captured his first TNT Championship. The creative team massively botched his title reign with inconsistent booking, destroying all the momentum he had by his side.
The prestige of the TNT Championship was severely diminished, owing to a lack of exciting matches during Wardlow's title reign. With back-to-back losses against Samoa Joe, Killswitch, and Powerhouse Hobbs, Mr. Mayhem no longer remained the intimidating force he once was.
Wardlow's dramatic fall from grace has been one of Tony Khan's biggest shortcomings as a booker. The 36-year-old star is currently stuck in The Undisputed Kingdom, which has shifted his character back to being a generic bodyguard.