The world of professional wrestling is known for its over-the-top theatrics and dramatic storylines, but sometimes it’s the behind-the-scenes efforts that truly impress. Bill Apter, a well-respected figure in the wrestling community, has lavished praise on Tony Khan, CEO and President of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), for his dedication to selling a recent storyline involving The Elite faction. Khan’s commitment to the narrative has not gone unnoticed, and Apter has drawn parallels with the legendary Andy Kaufman, who famously wore a neck brace for weeks to sell a storyline injury.
For those who may have missed it, Khan recently found himself on the receiving end of a brutal attack by The Elite, led by The Young Bucks, on an episode of Dynamite. The assault was deemed so intense that Khan took to wearing a neck brace in the aftermath, sparking concerns about his well-being. Apter, speaking on The Wrestling Time Machine podcast, commended Khan for maintaining the credibility of the storyline by selling the injury, even going so far as to wear the neck brace to the 2024 NFL Draft, where he was spotted by fans and media alike.
While Apter’s praise for Khan’s commitment to the storyline is certainly warranted, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows for the AEW CEO. Khan’s recent comments comparing WWE to disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein have sparked outrage among fans and industry insiders alike. Many have taken umbrage with the CEO’s inflammatory remarks, questioning the wisdom of making such a comparison. Apter, for one, has joined the chorus of criticism, echoing the sentiments of many who feel that Khan’s words were misguided and insensitive.
Despite the controversy surrounding his WWE remarks, Khan remains focused on promoting AEW’s upcoming Double or Nothing 2024 event, highlighting the differences between AEW and WWE in terms of programming and production style. As the wrestling world gears up for what promises to be an epic showdown, all eyes will be on Khan and his team to deliver a show that lives up to the hype.
What do you think about Tony Khan’s recent booking decisions in AEW? Do you agree with Bill Apter’s assessment of Khan’s commitment to the storyline? Sound off in the comments below!
