Tony Khan still rejects major AEW names when it comes to creative decisions, according to former champion
Former AAA Latin American Champion QT Marshall recently commented on how AEW CEO Tony Khan operates as the creative head of the Jacksonville-based company. Marshall joined AEW as an in-ring performer and associate producer in 2019. However, he resigned from the company in November 2023.
Marshall returned to Tony Khan's promotion earlier this year and resumed his role as Vice President of Show and Creative Coordination.
During a recent episode of Keepin' It OFFICIAL, the 39-year-old shed some light on how Tony Khan operates as AEW's creative head. Marshall revealed that while Khan was receptive to ideas from top stars like Chris Jericho, the 41-year-old only considered implementing them if he believed in the pitch.
"I think when it goes to the inmates running the asylum like that, they do have some, you know, say when they come up with stuff, but he's not always gonna just say, 'Yes, right!' like even all the way to Chris Jericho, like, he'll say something, and Tony will say, like, 'Well, no! We're not gonna do that because this is going on and X, Y, and Z,' and Chris will say, 'Okay, yeah, that makes sense,' or he's gonna try to fight it," he said. [1:36-1:56]
Tony Khan has total control over his locker room, reveals Marshall
During the same interview, QT Marshall debunked the long-standing claims that the AEW President allowed talents to make creative decisions.
The 39-year-old stated that while Tony Khan employs an open-door policy for talents, the AEW honcho was in full control of the locker room.
"That the inmates run the asylum, like fully. The inmates running the asylum thing. There are talents that definitely talk to Tony, and they’ve earned that right to speak to him. Also, there are talents that probably haven’t, in my opinion, earned the right to talk to Tony, but his open-door policy is almost too open. He’ll listen to them, sympathize and empathize, and he’ll make the best decision for the show," QT added. [H/T: RSN]
Meanwhile, AEW is all set to stage the All In PPV at the Wembley Stadium later this month. The marquee event will take place on August 25, 2024.