In a shocking turn of events, Tony Khan, the CEO of AEW, found himself at the center of the action, quite literally, on the latest episode of AEW Dynamite. Attacked by The Young Bucks, Kazuchika Okada, and Jack Perry, Khan’s on-screen persona took a beating, leaving fans wondering about the severity of his injuries. However, a recent appearance at the NFL Draft with a neck brace has sparked speculation about the legitimacy of the injury.
Khan, known for embracing kayfabe, didn’t shy away from incorporating the attack into his public appearance at the NFL Draft. Alongside his father, Shad Khan, co-owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Tony’s presence with a neck brace raised eyebrows and fueled discussions among fans and critics alike.
TONY KHAN IS IN A NECK BRACE!
AND THIS ONE ISN’T PHOTOSHOP
😂😂😂😂 #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/sTaBECrRCw
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) April 26, 2024
The imagery of Khan sporting a neck brace at such a prominent event naturally led to questions regarding the authenticity of the injury. Observers noted that Khan appeared to be moving his neck without restriction, suggesting that the injury may not be as severe as portrayed.
In the world of professional wrestling, such dramatic displays of injury often serve to enhance storylines and generate buzz among audiences. However, the reaction to Khan’s involvement in the storyline has been mixed.
While diehard AEW fans have embraced the angle, critics and detractors have been quick to criticize what they perceive as a derivative storyline reminiscent of WWE and WCW. The decision to have wrestlers attack their own boss is not unprecedented, but it has raised concerns about the creative direction of AEW.
Despite the controversy, the involvement of Shad Khan in the storyline has added an intriguing layer to the narrative. As the fallout from the attack unfolds in future episodes of AEW Dynamite, the true impact of this storyline on the promotion’s momentum remains to be seen.
What are your thoughts on Tony Khan’s “injury” and its portrayal in AEW? Join the conversation in the comments and let us know your take.