"The worst promoter and booker in history" - Wrestling fans slam Tony Khan as he finally breaks silence on turbulent backstage culture in AEW

Wrestling fans seemingly were not very receptive to Tony Khan's comments following a rough few months in AEW's locker room.

Since the post-All Out brawl took place in September 2022, several backstage incidents have taken place in what was a turbulent time for Tony Khan and All Elite Wrestling.

The Young Bucks, Kenny Omega, CM Punk, and Ace Steel were reportedly suspended while there was real-life heat between Sammy Guevara and Andrade El Idolo. The latter was also allegedly suspended after a physical altercation with The Spanish God.

Apart from this, there have been several reports of wrestlers wanting to leave the company in recent months, including Malakai Black, Miro, and Buddy Matthews.

During an interview with Fightful Select, Tony Khan addressed the criticism he has received of late regarding his management. He stated that not everyone can be kept happy in the wrestling business and that a series of circumstances led to people not being featured on television.

Fans tore into the All Elite Wrestling boss, with some stating that he only caters to a niche audience. Others felt that his booking leaves a lot to be desired, and he signs unnecessary names.

Check out some of the fan reactions below:

Navishing

@Navishing

@ringsidenews_ He's 100% at fault. The roster is bloated with a bunch of talent that just quite frankly should not be on national television. There's a lot of indy talent that should be back in the indies while the legit talent should be featured every week.

The storylines also stink

64

3

@ringsidenews_ He's 100% at fault. The roster is bloated with a bunch of talent that just quite frankly should not be on national television. There's a lot of indy talent that should be back in the indies while the legit talent should be featured every week.

The storylines also stink

mick

@mick_andreotti

@ringsidenews_ Would help if he stopped signing talent every week and focused on talent he already has

71

1

@ringsidenews_ Would help if he stopped signing talent every week and focused on talent he already has

Lynchgrfx

@HighJak78

@ringsidenews_ Has he kept ANYBODY on the roster happy besides the “elite”? How many people have wanted to leave already, half the roster? Sheesh.

17

@ringsidenews_ Has he kept ANYBODY on the roster happy besides the “elite”? How many people have wanted to leave already, half the roster? Sheesh.

Ryan A:The Big Anna Jay Tay Melo & Kris Stat Fan🎃

@RyanAvedisian1

@ringsidenews_ Maybe if @TonyKhan stops signing wrestlers from other companies, stops overcrowding the roster and focuses more on the homegrown talent in aew that's been there since day one it would help.

6

@ringsidenews_ Maybe if @TonyKhan stops signing wrestlers from other companies, stops overcrowding the roster and focuses more on the homegrown talent in aew that's been there since day one it would help.

R🔥

@R_M_1152

@ringsidenews_ well duhh when you have a roster as bloated as that

33

1

@ringsidenews_ well duhh when you have a roster as bloated as that

Tony Battiste

@BigAnimeFanTB

@ringsidenews_ That's his fault for signing too many wrestlers at a time.

2

@ringsidenews_ That's his fault for signing too many wrestlers at a time.

@HeartLikeAHandGrenade

@HeartLikeAHand1

@ringsidenews_ Maybe don't sign every talent that's available?

10

1

@ringsidenews_ Maybe don't sign every talent that's available?

Jose Angel Lopez

@JoseAng52698928

@ringsidenews_ He’s pandering to the smark community

1

@ringsidenews_ He’s pandering to the smark community

Sandman

@sandman_515

@ringsidenews_ He's the worst promoter and booker in history

@ringsidenews_ He's the worst promoter and booker in history

Easy E

@EzeehEee

@ringsidenews_ Maybe it would help not hiring 6 gazillion ex WWE wrestlers & indy backyard gymnasts.

@ringsidenews_ Maybe it would help not hiring 6 gazillion ex WWE wrestlers & indy backyard gymnasts.

---

Jim Cornette slammed Tony Khan's use of Jake Hager in AEW

On the most recent episode of the Jim Cornette Experience podcast, the WWE veteran commented on how Tony Khan has used Jake Hager in his promotion.

The former wrestling manager slammed the former WWE star's booking and purple hat.

"All of a sudden, from behind to jump [Ricky] Starks in the ring was Jake Hager and that stupid purple hat. And then once he hits him the others come in and jump him, and at that point I thought has anybody ever worked for a promotion longer and done less while they were there than Jake Hager in AEW?" said the veteran.

shaun

@ShaunNT

Hager and Hat with the Starks pose! #AEWDynamite

46

8

Hager and Hat with the Starks pose! #AEWDynamite https://t.co/QrwftzStLL

Jake Hager, formerly known as Jack Swagger in WWE, has mainly been a part of Chris Jericho's factions in AEW, namely the Inner Circle and the Jericho Appreciation Society. He has also unsuccessfully challenged for all men's singles titles in the company, the world title, the TNT Championship and the AEW All-Atlantic Championship.

​