“Desperation Mode”: Tony Khan Allegedly Facing WBD’s Wrath About Low Ratings Prompting Drastic Step

AEW fans loved the most recent Double or Nothing PPV in Las Vegas. The final match’s complete chaos made the majority of the fanbase claim it was the company’s best-ever PPV. Fans saw Mercedes Mone win, Gangrel and Edge (Adam Copeland) reunite, and Jack Perry being set ablaze. While Tony Khan celebrated the success, one pro wrestling figure did not share the same sentiment. According to this icon, Khan is so desperate that he’s been stealing ideas.

When it comes to pro wrestling, Vince Russo is either loved or hated. While people blame his love for soap opera-style writing for the death of WCW, many have credited his unique approach. He still gives his opinions on current wrestling affairs on social media, and people seem to like what he says. Most recently, he appeared on Sportskeeda WrestleBinge YouTube channel, where he spoke about AEW Double or Nothing.

Russo told Dr. Chris, “I want Tony Khan to PayPal me $1 million because now he’s stealing from the Vince Russo Playbook.” As the former WWE figure continued, he talked about how the AEW head honcho couldn’t grow the company. He also mentioned the five-star matches the company has put on, but nothing seems to be working. WCW recorded a similar ordeal before its eventual death. There has been a decline in viewership and ratings which could affect the upcoming AEW and WBD deal.

Russo continued, “He’s in, you know, desperation mode because now he doesn’t like the way things are going with WBD. I’m sure WBD said something to him about the numbers.” Currently, Warner Bros Discovery and AEW are trying to negotiate a deal for the broadcasting rights.

Reports indicate that the deal could amount to $110 million annually or more. Previously, AEW’s deal ran up to four years. It was worth $175 million, resulting in just under $45 million per year. However, according to Russo, WBD may not be happy with the current numbers that AEW is pulling in.

Tony Khan incurs the blame for low viewership numbers

Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer has continued to report the numbers for AEW, but they haven’t amounted to good reading. Despite throwing himself into the Young Buck storyline, the views on AEW’s shows have not increased. Meltzer pointed out that the episode of Khan getting attacked drew only 683,000 viewers. He compared it to the average of 762,000 viewers AEW Dynamite usually brought. Moreover, he pointed out that it was the lowest audience for Dynamite in over six months, which was the October 10, 2023 broadcast.

Russo has claimed that using the flamethrower and the return of Gangrel proved the desperate lengths AEW resorted to. Khan may be trying to boost the rating to secure a better deal with WBD. Currently, AEW is broadcast on TBS and their sister channel, TNT. What do you think about what Russo said? Does Khan owe Russo money for plagarism? Tell us in the comments.