“Bunch of Sh*t”: Tony Khan’s Huge Booking Error Deemed Reason for Loss of 18–34 Demographic Viewership

Regarding the gripes of the wrestling community and AEW, most blame is squared at Tony Khan. The company’s CEO and head honcho, Khan’s booking has never sat well with fans. While the company gears up for their Double or Nothing PPV in Las Vegas, criticism of the build-up hits the internet. As always, Khan’s booking is called into question.

Khan is currently in a kayfabe feud with the Young Bucks and Jack Perry. After getting laid out in the ring by the new Elite, Khan has yet to forward the storyline.

Bryan Alvarez blames Tony Khan for AEW shows not having a connection

On the most recent episode of the Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez, the host discussed AEW and the upcoming PPV. As with any wrestling promotion, the build-up to the main show is vital to getting the audience interested. In regards to the topic, he said, “This is a big problem, and the people that love AEW, you don’t want to acknowledge.” As he went on, he explained that the problem was the bad booking. He mentioned, “If you’re 18 to 34 or younger you ain’t tolerating this sh*t.” Alvarez explained how only hardcore fans of the show continued to show their support. While the younger audience has dipped off the regular program. This would explain why AEW’s overall rating and viewership have also nosedived.

Since the start of 2024, despite having Kazuchika Okada and Mercedes Mone on the roster, AEW hasn’t gained much traction. Alvarez continued, “What happened there had nothing, nothing in line with what happened on Collision. They just made a bunch of sh*t up.” Although Double or Northing has major titles on the line, the buildup to the show has not been seamless. AEW Dynamite and Collision both told different stories ahead of the PPV.

Khan’s bad booking of Mercedes Mone turned fans away

Ahead of the WWE Royal Rumble, there were speculations that Sasha Banks could return to the company. However, those speculations fell through as she debuted in AEW as Mone. Since AEW’s Big Business PPV in March, she hasn’t wrestled as she was not medically cleared. Despite being aware of this, Khan still had her cut promos.

While fans waited to see the CEO in action, weeks turned into months. Now, on 26 May, at Double or Nothing, she will make her in-ring wrestling debut. This handling of Mone has been criticized, and viewership dropped even with her scheduled to deliver a promo. What do you think is the reason why Khan’s AEW is losing viewers? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.