QT Marshall Debunks ‘Inmates Run The Asylum’ Allegation About AEW

QT Marshall, who had been with AEW since its inception, left the promotion when his contract expired. Despite this, Marshall returned to AEW and has now debunked the allegation that the inmates run the asylum in AEW.

Marshall has worn many hats since the company’s inception, including wrestler, manager, producer, and now Vice President of Show and Creative Coordination of the company.

While speaking on Keepin It 100, Marshall was asked about the biggest misconception about AEW. Marshall addressed a common misconception that the inmates run the asylum in AEW. He explained that while some talent have earned the right to speak directly with Tony Khan, the open-door policy means Khan listens to everyone, but not all suggestions are accepted. Marshall noted that many talents need to start by understanding their current role and audience perception before aiming for top spots.

Marshall also mentioned that even prominent figures like Chris Jericho sometimes face pushback from Khan. The notion that certain wrestlers, like MJF, have unchecked control is not entirely accurate; instead, successful wrestlers work closely with Khan and deliver results. If their performance falters, adjustments are made.

That the inmates run the asylum, like fully. The inmates running the asylum thing. There are talents that definitely talk to Tony (Khan) and they’ve earned that right to speak to him. Also, there are talents that probably haven’t, in my opinion, earned the right to talk to Tony, but his open door policy is almost too open. He’ll listen to them, sympathize and empathize, and he’ll make the best decision for the show. I think a lot of talents look in the mirror and see what they can be later on. ‘I think I can be The Rock.’ I’m just using that as an example. I should start by being whatever the fans sees first. Then, once we’re on the same page, we can take them on whatever ride we want. I only learned that not too long ago from someone else. I look at myself and think, ‘I can probably be a top guy.’ I might able to, but as of right now, I’m this guy who is friends with Cody and blah, blah, blah. Let’s start there and move on.

“When it goes to the inmates running the asylum, yes, they do have some say when they come up with stuff, but it’s not always (Tony) just says yes. All the way to Chris Jericho. He’ll say something and Tony will say, ‘No, we’re not going to do that because this is going on,’ and Chris will say, ‘Okay, that makes sense,’ or he’s going to fight it, the sense of, you’re always fighting a battle when you’re at work. At least, you tried. There are a lot of talents that don’t try and they’re just worried, and they’re probably the ones that go to the dirtsheets and say, ‘X person gets whatever they want. MJF writes his own stuff with Tony.’ MJF probably does talk to Tony a lot about his stuff. Also, he produces and does really well. The moment he doesn’t, I’m sure he’s going to lose…I’ve seen a lot of that too where talent tries to do their stuff and it doesn’t work.”

Tony Khan was also recently advised to step back from day-to-day operations in AEW. Nevertheless, QT Marshall will definitely defend AEW no matter what and that’s unlikely to ever change.

What’s your opinion on what QT Marshall had to say? Do you believe the notion that inmates run the asylum in AEW is false? Sound off in the comments section below!