Many AEW Stars Reportedly Don’t Respect Tony Khan
Vince McMahon ruled WWE with an iron fist during his time, demanding absolute loyalty and control. His leadership style was authoritative and often intimidating, where wrestlers and staff feared repercussions if they didn’t comply.
In contrast, Tony Khan’s approach in AEW is more collaborative and open. He encourages dialogue and values creative freedom. He takes a friendlier approach than an authoritative one with his employees; therefore, there is a notion that some stars take advantage of his kindness.
Tony Khan’s Leadership Quality Questioned by Veteran
Speaking on the Keepin’ It 100 podcast, Konnan even went as far as to say that many of Tony Khan’s employees don’t respect him. He criticized the AEW president for using money to gain access where others can’t and accused him of throwing tantrums when things don’t go his way. He stated that leadership isn’t Khan’s strong suit.
“He’s a money mark and was able to get into the places most people wouldn’t, and throwing tantrums. And you know, this is what—what can he do, what can he do? Bro, first of all, you have to have leadership qualities. You’re either born with them or somebody teaches them to you, but he’s not a natural leader. He’s not a strong leader. He’s very wishy-washy. He’ll tell you one thing, then another, and then another, and you’re like, ‘Bro, you told me this, and you told me that, but now you’re telling me this.’”
Speaking further on the podcast, Konnan stated that many people just go along with whatever Tony Khan wants because they’re getting paid and don’t want trouble. When they do, they blame others and don’t take responsibility. The AEW head honcho holds power, but many don’t respect him. Konnan also highlighted Jake Hager’s recent criticism of Tony Khan as an example to corroborate his statement.
“And then, you know, a lot of people don’t want to make waves. They’re getting paid, and they’re like, ‘Whatever he wants to f****** do.’ And I don’t want to say names, because there’s people that I tell him, I go, ‘Why do you do that?’ He goes, ‘Tony’s idea.’ And I go, ‘Why do you go along with it?’ He goes, ‘I don’t give a f***. Just pay me.’
And when you’re working like that, that’s not a good place to be. And he knows he has the power. And he’s not a guy that a lot of the boys over there that talk to me respect. And that has nothing to do with he went to work with CMLL, or he doesn’t want to use me, or any other stupid excuse that you can come up with because I’m bitter against him.
No, I’m telling you how it is. You’re hearing it from Jack Swagger. You’ve heard bits and pieces from other people, and as time goes on you’re going to hear even more. And at the end, people will go, ‘You know what, Konnan was right,’ because I don’t have any reason to lie. I don’t have any reason to make s*** up. There’s no reason. I’m telling you as it is.
H/T to Ringside News