“Went Downhill”: Tony Khan’s AEW’s Five-Year Decline Criticized for Lack of Storytelling Despite Big Name Roster

Tony Khan is often criticized for the decisions that he makes for AEW. There have been several hints as to what Tony Khan needs to change about his promotion to thrive better in the competitive market of pro wrestling. Recently, a wrestling veteran also talked about what Tony Khan seems to be doing wrong all these years ever since the promotion was formed.

Dutch Mantel spoke on his podcast about AEW and what the President of the promotion needs to pay attention to. According to the retired wrestler, WWE’s competitor was better off in 2019 when they had just started the business.

Tony Khan called out for pulling AEW down over the years

Tony Khan has been the keeper of the AEW since its inauguration in 2019. The promotion has expanded its roster over the years with star-studded names. However, Dutch Mantel believes that things could have turned out better for the wrestling company if Tony Khan had invested time in building up more meaningful storylines for the in-ring feuds.

The retired wrestler said on his podcast, “AEW has been there five years and they’ve actually went back. They went downhill. They haven’t gone uphill.” He also added, “The people want to always say, tell a story. Because what the wrestling can miss, the story might be able to pick up. If you got a good enough story, they’re going to tune in to see what’s going to happen.”

There have been instances in the past where Tony Khan has been called out for not booking a talent the right way. Now, he is also being suggested to start incorporating more engaging storylines to keep wrestling fans hooked on the show. Apart from this, the 41-year-old has also been criticized for assuming direct competition with WWE, the leading pro wrestling promotion in the world.

Tony Khan asked to embrace his status

Eric Bischoff has had a long-running rivalry with Tony Khan. The two have taken shots at each other on various occasions. However, Bischoff took a step back from criticizing his nemesis and suggested something that might be important for his wrestling promotion to grow. Bischoff pointed out that AEW has branded itself as the direct competitor against WWE instead of being an alternative to the company.

The former WCW employee suggested Khan to embrace being the underdog and not take shots at WWE because the latter company is way more powerful to be affected by it. Now, Tony Khan has two lessons that he may need to pay attention to that could help him secure better ratings and attendance during shows.