Tony Khan Devised “Secret Plan” For AEW Title Change

Tony Khan was a man with a plan.

Back in July, Darby Allin won a Royal Rampage Battle Royal to earn a shot at the AEW World Champion at Grand Slam.

However, a story ensued where Allin ended up putting that title shot on the line against a newly-heel Jon Moxley at the event. Moxley ultimately won that match and went on to defeat Bryan Danielson at WrestleDream, claiming the World Title and ending the American Dragon’s career in the process.

It was reported that this was a shift from the original plan where Darby Allin was scheduled to win the World Championship.

However, it seems there was even more backstage maneuvering than previously thought.

Tony Khan Plotted Title Change Months In Advance

Writing in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer noted that while news got out about Allin’s big win, Tony Khan hatched a secret plan that would see Moxley end Danielson’s reign. This was reportedly put in place before Moxley won the IWGP World Heavyweight Title in April.

According to those close to the situation, while the story was out about Darby Allin being planned for the title this year after Bryan Danielson, the secret plan from months ago was always Danielson to Jon Moxley as a heel.

The Swerve Strickland to Danielson and then to Moxley story was planned prior to Moxley winning the IWGP title, but apparently the only people who were supposed to know were Tony Khan, Moxley, Danielson and Allin.

Danielson did not want to win the title but Khan talked him into it feeling that his winning would be the best possible moment for the end of the biggest show of the year.

Meltzer added that Danielson was the person who decided to have his last match at WrestleDream, although those plans were never set in stone. However, the new version of the Blackpool Combat Club was Jon Moxley’s idea.