Tony Khan Takes Heat Over AEW Catering to a Specialized Fan Base

AEW opened their doors with a lot of hype behind him. Tony Khan’s company signed up some big free agents, and he continues to this day, striving to present the best product possible, but there is no shortage of criticism about it.

Vince Russo was a part of WWE’s Attitude Era, and he had a run with WCW and TNA after that. He’s seen a lot, although that is under debate as well, but he certainly has a lot to say about things.

During a post on X, Vince Russo lit up Tony Khan for not booking AEW for the mainstream fan base. Instead, he focused on what Dave Meltzer wanted to see, and that hasn’t done him any favors.

I’ll never forget, when @TonyKhan started @AEW, he took a shot at me—not even knowing me, or ever having a conversation with me— in an effort to get over with the “Cool Kids” by saying: “When Vince Russo went to WCW, they had a hang nail. Russo proceeded to cut the whole arm off.” Yeah, TK said that REGARDLESS of the fact that in my first three months at WCW the numbers went up—which I have backed up with DATA right here.

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From there, TK admitted over and over and over again that @davemeltzerWON was a HUGE INFLUENCE on both himself and the talent. So, for FOUR YEARS now, TK has been booking for Dave, the “Wrestling Journalists” and the “Smart Mark” Crowd.

And WHERE has that gotten AEW? WHERE? Outside of that blip in Wembley—that came and went—the AEW audience has not grown one iota. Maybe it’s time for something new, Tony. As a matter of fact, today would be a great day to look back 25 years at the @WWE “Survivor Series” and watch and learn how a successful storyline is done.

You’re being stubborn, man. And not listening to those who know because you want to get over with the “Black Shirt” Crowd . . . has gotten you nowhere. Nowhere.

Vince Russo obviously has an opinion of AEW, and he’s not shy about sharing it. It also doesn’t seem like Russo should expect a phone call from Tony Khan any time soon. Only time will tell if TK gets this message from Russo.

We will have complete coverage of AEW Full Gear and everything else going on in the pro wrestling world. You never know what will happen next, or who will offer their own opinion about AEW.

What’s your take on Vince Russo’s take on AEW? Let us know what you think about this in the comments section!