Tony Khan Defends the Integrity of AEW Championship Amid Controversy
London, UK – August 28, 2024: All Elite Wrestling (AEW) CEO Tony Khan has passionately defended the legitimacy and significance of the AEW FTW Championship after it became branded a “shaggy dog story” all through a press conference following the All In occasion at Wembley Stadium. The commentary, made by using a journalist, sparked big backlash among lovers and insiders, prompting each the reporter and Taz, the creator of the title, to respond.
The FTW Title’s Legacy and Relevance in AEW
The FTW (Fuck The World) Championship has a storied records that dates returned to 1998 whilst it become first introduced with the aid of Taz in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). The title turned into born out of frustration while Taz, not able to stable a in shape for the ECW World Heavyweight Championship, decided to create his personal championship. The identify became synonymous with Taz’s character as a no-nonsense, unstoppable force within the ring.
Fast forward to 2020, the FTW Championship became reintroduced in AEW when Taz bestowed the identify upon Brian Cage, one of the enterprise’s pinnacle performers. The reintroduction of the identify was visible as a nod to the hardcore legacy of ECW and an acknowledgment of the rebellious spirit that AEW has embraced considering the fact that its inception. The identify has because been defended and fought over by way of some of AEW’s maximum excessive competitors, including Taz’s son, Hook.
At the latest All In occasion, held in the front of a record-breaking crowd in London, Hook reclaimed the FTW Championship by using defeating Chris Jericho in a interesting suit that noticed Taz lock in his signature Tazmission on Bryan Keith, inflicting the group to erupt in a big ovation. This victory was specifically sizable as it marked Hook’s ascent in AEW, with many speculating that the identify could now be retired as he looks to pursue bigger opportunities within the company.
Tony Khan’s Response to the “Joke” Comment
During the post-All In press conference, Sam Smith, a journalist covering the event, posed a question to Tony Khan, referring to the FTW Championship as a “joke.” Khan, visibly taken aback, wasted no time in rejecting the notion, affirming the title’s importance within AEW.
“It wasn’t a joke or an insult. I brought it in as a really important part of the company,” Khan stated emphatically. “Taz didn’t bring it in as an insult at all. He brought it in to represent someone who was the top pushed heel against the strongest booked best wrestler in the world at the time, which is and was Jon Moxley.”
Khan’s defense of the FTW Championship was a clear message to both fans and critics that the title, while unconventional, holds a significant place in AEW’s narrative. The passion in Khan’s response underscored his commitment to honoring the history of professional wrestling and integrating it into AEW’s evolving storylines.
Journalist Issues Apology and Taz Responds
The backlash to Smith’s comment was swift, with many fans taking to social media to voice their displeasure. Acknowledging the controversy, Sam Smith issued an apology on Twitter, clarifying the intent behind the question.
“I’m the reporter that asked the question about the FTW Championship, and I would hate to see it get retired, @OfficialTAZ,” Smith wrote. “I regret the word joke, I was trying to reference its origins as an unofficial belt in ECW & later AEW. In truth, I was trying to say how far it has come.”
Taz, known for his no-nonsense attitude, responded to the apology with understanding and respect. “People make mistakes, you said you misspoke. Maybe you were nervous, sh*t happens no big deal & @TonyKhan broke it down perfectly in the scrum,” Taz tweeted. He went on to emphasize the legitimacy of the title by stating, “’Joke’ was a really inaccurate way to describe the FTW title in ECW & AEW. I’m sure you would agree, none of the FTW champions were or are jokes, I can guarantee you that.”
H/t to ITRWrestling
