In a recent edition of Keepin’ It 100, former WCW veteran Konnan shared some telling insights into his experiences working with AEW President Tony Khan. Konnan, affiliated with Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, has had a close relationship with AEW, with several talents from his promotion making appearances on the Jacksonville-based promotion. However, it appears that Khan’s grip on the company is tighter than initially thought.
Konnan revealed that during a time when AAA worked directly with AEW, he had FTR drop the AAA World Tag Team Championship to Drallistico and Dragon Lee, who later went on to join WWE. This move seemingly didn’t sit well with Khan, who confronted Konnan about it. This incident suggests that Khan is not a fan of his talents having talks with WWE, and Konnan confirmed this by sharing an incident where Khan didn’t allow talent to watch the WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Premium Live Event, which featured the return of Cody Rhodes.
This level of control has raised concerns among wrestling fans and industry insiders. Khan’s micro-managing is not limited to his talent’s interactions with WWE; he is also heavily involved in booking the shows. With AEW putting on three shows a week, Dynamite, Rampage, and Collision, Konnan advised Khan to enlist some help, suggesting that he delegate the booking duties to experienced individuals like Vince Russo or Jeff Jarrett, or even form a team of bookers. This would allow Khan to focus on other aspects of the company.
However, despite Konnan’s advice, AEW has continued to operate in the same manner, with Khan shouldering the booking responsibilities. This has led to questions about the sustainability of this model, with some wondering if it’s healthy for a single person to have such control over a company. As AEW nears its five-year mark, fans and observers are waiting to see if Khan will take advice from veterans like Konnan and share some of his duties, or if he will continue to maintain his tight grip on the company.
The concerns about Khan’s control extend beyond just booking, with some wondering if his strict rules are stifling the creative process and limiting the growth of AEW. As the wrestling world continues to evolve, it remains to be seen if Khan will adapt and delegate, or maintain his current approach. One thing is certain, however: the wrestling community will be watching closely to see how AEW navigates these challenges and grows in the years to come.
