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Tony Khan alienating fans with latest low blow to WWE

AEW President Tony Khan. Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Tony Khan continues to alienate fan base with latest low blow to WWE

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 4/26/24

AEW is a brand with the world at its feet. It has a roster full of exceptional talent, some of whom are the best in the world. It has a billionaire owner. And it has a loyal fan base. However, in recent months, that fan base has slowly been declining. Part of that is likely due to the number of stars on the injury report. Part of it is likely due to the rapid improvements in WWE programming.

In recent months, WWE has made significant changes to its on-air production. It has improved in-ring performances, limited extravagant production and moved toward a more mature offering. With WWE gaining significant momentum, Khan has resorted to taking public shots at his competitor. His latest jab came on Friday when he spoke on the NFL Network ahead of the NFL Draft.

“AEW, we’ve been doing this for five years, we are the most successful sports start up since the AFL, pre-merger," Khan said. "There has not been a challenger brand that has gained as much market share as AEW in many, many years. We are like the Pepsi of pro wrestling. We’re up against an evil juggernaut. WWE is our competitor, that’s who we’re facing. AEW, like the Pepsi of pro wrestling. WWE is like the Harvey Weinstein of pro wrestling. I’m really proud of what we do down here.”

Tony Khan called WWE "like the Harvey Weinstein of pro wrestling"

"AEW, we've been doing this for five years, we are the most successful sports start up since the AFL, pre-merger. There has not been a challenger brand that has gained as much market share as AEW in many many… pic.twitter.com/Px40zeR59k
— Fightful Wrestling (@Fightful) April 26, 2024

Khan's comments come just weeks after he chose to air the backstage footage of CM Punk's altercation with Jack Perry. Currently, he is making some questionable decisions where WWE and its talent are concerned.

AEW is supposed to be an alternative to the entertainment style of wrestling WWE offers. Khan wants their viewers to become fans of both promotions or defect to his company. Yet, he's hindering his chances of progressing when attempting to attract the casual fan base. Every time he takes a jab at WWE, he's making himself and his company look immature and desperate.

There's no question that AEW's in-ring offering is superior to WWE's. It's also tough to argue that Khan has assembled the best roster in professional wrestling. Yet, his company lacks storylines, a robust and dominant social media presence and, most importantly, the press regarding the company is all about what they've said about WWE.

Khan needs to focus on what AEW is doing, and why they do it so well. They rose to prominence by excelling while being fresh and new. Now, they're devolving into being a jealous underdog that resents their competition. The more Khan jabs at WWE, the less fans will want to consume his show. More worryingly, the more likely fans will be to tune out of AEW and back into the company he is trying to steer people away from.

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