Tony Khan Responds to AEW Violence Criticism, Says Blood and Stunts Must “Make Sense” – Tony Khan is pushing back against criticism surrounding AEW’s use of blood and high-risk stunts, making it clear that the company has tightened its approach while still supporting wrestlers who choose to push the limits in big-match situations.
During an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, the AEW President addressed recent conversations about whether the promotion relies too heavily on violent spots. Khan said the key factor is logic — extreme moments must serve a purpose, and AEW has worked to ensure they do.
“It has to make sense, and almost everything we’ve ever done I’ve thought made sense,” Khan explained. “The thing is that if there were ever a few that didn’t work out, I thought, ‘Well, that probably didn’t make sense to begin with,’ and that’s why over the years, I think we really refined the process.”
Khan acknowledged that while he supports his roster’s creative decisions, there are times when even he feels certain stunts may be pushing things too far. Still, he credited his talent for consistently delivering and for the sacrifices they make.
“But we have such great, great wrestlers that 99.9% of the time I always think everything they do is awesome,” Khan continued. “And I agree with the choices they make. But sometimes there’s stuff that seems like it’s pushing it, and absolutely, the chances that the wrestlers take on pay-per-views or big nights like Blood and Guts, they sacrifice and they do so much, and that’s what makes pro wrestling so great.”
Khan went on to highlight the demanding nature of the industry — a year-round schedule with no off-season — and praised the roster for taking risks that elevate major AEW events. He added that while some dangerous matches carry the potential to shorten careers, the recent Blood & Guts bout saw all participants come out unharmed.
“You have wrestlers that are willing to sacrifice their bodies for the fans, with no off-season, 52 weeks a year, and then push it even further under these kinds of circumstances,” Khan said. “Everybody on the AEW Blood and Guts show, in particular, I thought really set a great example of that, and also thankfully everybody’s come out of it okay. It has the potential to be a career-ending match. It’s a hard-hitting situation, but thankfully, everybody’s good.”
Tony Khan Responds to AEW Violence Criticism
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