Tony Khan, the owner of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), is a prominent figure in the professional wrestling industry. He owns the number two American pro wrestling promotion and he is sure to let us know about it regularly. Because of Khan’s pivotal role in the wrestling industry, his approach to social media has gained significant attention, both positive and negative.
Following this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite – which went head to head with NXT on Tuesday and was trounced in the ratings as a result of some serious star power appearing – Khan had something of a social media meltdown that has done him no favors. While some applaud his direct interaction with fans, others criticize it as childish or unbecoming of a wrestling executive – or, indeed, an executive of anything. In this article, we’ll explore Tony Khan’s social media presence, dissecting whether it’s a unique approach to fan engagement or a childish misuse of the platform.
This week, 2 active decades-long ratings streaks from 2 great legends were ended
With all due respect, until this week's head-to-head AEW on TBS vs WWE on USA, neither John Cena nor Undertaker had ever been on a WWE show with under 1 million total viewers + under 400k in the demo— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) October 12, 2023
The Proactive Engagement with Fans
One of the standout features of Tony Khan’s social media presence is his proactive engagement with fans. He regularly responds to tweets, answers questions, and acknowledges fan feedback. This accessibility can be seen as a refreshing change from the more reserved approach of other wrestling executives. However, whilst it might appear refreshing and was initially a positive of Khan’s social media presence, it has become apparent that the man simply cannot control himself on the X (formerly Twitter) platform.
Critics argue that Tony Khan’s social media interactions can oftentimes come off as childish or unprofessional. They point to instances where he engages in heated arguments or uses sarcasm and memes to address criticism. Some believe that such interactions diminish his credibility as the head of a major wrestling promotion. This week’s X outburst is arguably his worst, as he pinpointed NXT doing under a million in the Nielsen ratings with John Cena and Undertaker on the card, despite Dynamite achieving under 700,000 with WWE Hall of Famer Adam Copeland (formerly Edge) in the main event.
Transparency and Authenticity
Khan’s use of social media often reflects transparency and authenticity. He doesn’t shy away from discussing AEW’s business, addressing behind-the-scenes issues, or responding to fans’ concerns. This transparency can foster a deeper connection between the promotion and its audience. Yet, it is this same transparency which remains his Achilles heel – he regularly lands himself and the company in hot water with fans because, quite simply, he uses X to act like a teenage keyboard warrior who just gained access to the internet for the first time. The man turned 41 years old just this week.
Building Hype and Storylines
Tony Khan has used social media as a tool to build hype and advance storylines in AEW. He often announces matches, teases surprises, and shares significant updates. This approach aligns with the modern wrestling landscape, where promotions strive to engage fans both on-screen and online. While some fans appreciate Khan’s directness and willingness to address criticism, others find his confrontational responses to be a turn-off. Balancing engagement with respect is a challenge on social media, and Khan’s approach seems to divide opinion on this front. This week especially, it has become clear that Khan is merely incapable of comprehending criticism and has been sure to let the world know it. Instead of congratulating NXT and creative head Shawn Michaels, he chose to attack them with petulant remarks as mentioned earlier.
The Impact on AEW’s Image
Tony Khan’s social media presence has undeniably impacted AEW’s image. The promotion is often perceived as more fan-friendly and accessible compared to its competition, partly due to Khan’s interactions. However, it’s essential to weigh the positive effects on AEW’s brand against any potential negatives related to a perception of immaturity. We all know AEW is the number 2 promotion and we can appreciate that Khan hopes to one day change this narrative, but it is impossible when the company’s top executive and owner crumbles so dramatically on a weekly basis and under the watchful eye of wrestling’s global fan base.
Conclusion
Tony Khan’s social media presence is undeniably a subject of controversy and debate. While some hail his direct engagement with fans and his use of social media to advance AEW’s brand, others find his approach unprofessional and childish. Ultimately, the evaluation of his social media activity is subjective, and whether it’s considered a unique approach or a misuse of the platform depends on one’s perspective. However, for this writer, Khan’s use (or misuse) of social media is his biggest downfall and only serves to humiliate AEW and the talented roster who work so hard to provide the audience with great wrestling and compelling storylines every single week.
More From LWOS Pro Wrestling
Stay tuned to the Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world. As well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world. You can catch AEW Dynamite Wednesday nights at 8 PM ET on TBS and AEW Dark: Elevation (Monday nights) and AEW: Dark (Tuesday nights) at 7 PM ET on YouTube. AEW Rampage airs on TNT at 10 PM EST every Friday night.
