All Elite Wrestling (AEW) president Tony Khan is no stranger to scrutiny and criticism from wrestling fans. Despite the enthusiasm of AEW fans, the promotion is often scrutinized for reasons ranging from bidding decisions to performance. Khan recently expressed his gratitude to AEW viewers after last week’s show, sparking a firestorm of controversy online and highlighting the difficult relationship the promotion has with its viewers.
AEW Two Weeks Amazing
AEW Rampage and Collision co-headlined on May 11 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia. With fans looking forward to it, the event promises to be an exciting display of sportsmanship and entertainment. Although the specific viewership figures are yet to be revealed, Tony Khan took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the viewers through social media platform “X”, hinting that Saturday night’s show is likely to be a success.
AEW: Where The Best Wrestle!
Thank you all who watched Saturday Night #AEWCollision + #AEWRampage tonight, the first Saturday Night Wrestling on TBS Superstation in over 2 decades, fittingly with @tonyschiavone24 on the call!
Back on TNT next Saturday, + this Wednesday on TBS!
— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) May 12, 2024
Khan acknowledged the event’s historic significance in a tweet, thanking the audience and calling the event the premier Saturday night wrestling event on TBS Super in at the age of twenty. However, it met with praise from the online wrestling community.
Online reactions and fan disfavor
Despite Khan’s positive outlook, online wrestling fans were quick to express their dismay, pointing out flaws in the weekend’s show. Some fans pointed out several flaws and criticized the show as a whole, citing a lack of excitement and preparation for AEW’s upcoming double or nothing event. Much of the backlash comes from the contrast between Khan’s admiration for AEW and the reality of the product being presented. Fans took to social media to conflate Khan’s eulogy with photos showing incidents at the event, thereby undermining the credibility of his eulogy.
“Where The Best Wrestle” https://t.co/KVoL5mc6Z4
— Niklas (@ghl_niklas) May 12, 2024
I’m betting no one watched, as per usual.
— they call me Rob (@TheGoatweed) May 12, 2024
And then the ratings and attendance numbers come out…. 😂
— dizzy1369 (@dizzy1369) May 12, 2024
I don’t ever watch AEW anymore thank god for WWE
— DJ Loudmouth “Your baby mama favorite DJ!” (@REALBIGTIMEJAY) May 12, 2024
How much coke have you snorted as of posting this?
— 🏴☠️BucDad⚡ Number 1 bullshit (@Eighty8_Prod) May 12, 2024
Fans sought to appreciate Khan
Online comments regarding Khan’s tweet saw fans mocking and outright criticizing him, questioning the accuracy of their appreciation of his perceived flaws in AEW’s campaign. Some people have taken the opportunity to compare AEW to its main competitor, WWE, and argue that WWE is better in terms of performance and performance.
In addition, Khan’s comments sparked outrage in wrestling, reflecting the frustration and disappointment of some in the wrestling community. In the midst of many accusations and disparaging comments, the truth of Khan’s confession was investigated, and tensions between AEW and its fan base intensified.
Divisional thinking
As the world of wrestling continues to grow, the relationship between promotions and their audiences remains complex and varied. While AEW strives to have a dominant position in the industry, it faces the pressure of expectations and scrutiny from the fan base. Tony Khan’s compliments, while meant to be appreciative, inadvertently caused problems and divisions within the wrestling community.
As AEW prepares for its big event, Double or Nothing, the promos, shows and receptions are a good reminder of the balance between perception and reality in the world of professional wrestling.