According to recent reports, AEW President Tony Khan has granted complete creative control to a few former WWE stars within the promotion.
Among these stars are wrestling veterans Sting and Bryan Danielson. Since its inception in 2019, AEW has championed a model that empowers wrestlers to have a say in their creative direction, aiming to showcase their talents to the fullest.
However, there have been occasional creative challenges that have posed obstacles to the promotion.
Reports suggest that Sting has been given the authority to handpick his opponent for his upcoming retirement match at the Revolution 2024 pay-per-view.
The wrestling icon reportedly chose The Young Bucks as his tag team partners alongside Darby Allin for this significant event. Similarly, Bryan Danielson, another seasoned wrestler, has also been entrusted with complete creative control.
Dave Meltzer via WOR: "One of the things that's happened this year is… Tony Khan's really letting Bryan Danielson do what he wants. He's letting Sting do what he wants.
Danielson's gonna go out scripting his last year, you know like Sting's going out scripting his last match." pic.twitter.com/gWoty2jszW
— Drainmaker 🌧️ 💵 (@DrainBamager) February 13, 2024
During a recent segment on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer shed light on Tony Khan’s approach, indicating that The American Dragon has been given the autonomy to steer his creative direction in what could potentially be the final year of his active wrestling career.
Meltzer drew parallels between Danielson’s situation and that of Sting, highlighting Khan’s willingness to accommodate their preferences.
Meltzer emphasized, “One of the things that’s happened this year is… Tony Khan’s really letting Bryan Danielson do what he wants. He’s letting Sting do what he wants. Danielson’s gonna go out scripting his last year, you know like Sting’s going out scripting his last match.”
Meanwhile, Bryan Danielson’s journey in AEW has been marked by a series of remarkable matches, showcasing his prowess inside the ring.
Engaged in a heated feud with Continental Triple Crown Champion Eddie Kingston, The American Dragon is poised for a high-stakes title match at the upcoming Revolution PPV.
As speculation mounts about Danielson’s potential retirement from full-time competition, wrestling enthusiasts eagerly await how the esteemed wrestler will choose to conclude this chapter of his career.
With both Sting and Danielson at the helm of their creative destinies, AEW continues to push the boundaries of wrestler empowerment within the industry.
