Tony Khan throws shade at WWE after another disappointing SmackDown episode
(Courtesy : WWE)
AEW President Tony Khan subtly fires shots at WWE.
The backlash surrounding WWE SmackDown reached a boiling point this week, and AEW President Tony Khan didn’t miss the moment to make his presence felt. Following what many fans labeled an underwhelming episode, Khan appeared to take a subtle jab at WWE’s creative direction.
WWE SmackDown has been struggling to maintain consistent fan approval in recent months, with criticism largely centered around pacing issues and uninspired booking. This week’s episode only intensified that narrative, leaving viewers frustrated at a time when expectations should be peaking ahead of WrestleMania.
The online wrestling community erupted soon after the show aired, with discussions dominated by disappointment rather than excitement. It was within this atmosphere that Khan’s timely social media post caught attention.
WWE SmackDown backlash grows louder after controversial reveal
One of the biggest talking points from the episode involved Randy Orton and his mysterious phone call storyline. The reveal that Pat McAfee was the man on the other end left fans unimpressed, with many calling it anticlimactic.
The segment, which had been building intrigue over several weeks, failed to deliver the payoff viewers expected. Instead of elevating the storyline, it contributed to a growing perception that WWE’s creative direction lacks cohesion.
Beyond that reveal, the rest of the card struggled to generate momentum. Matches were criticized for lacking intensity, and the overall pacing of the show felt disjointed, adding to fan dissatisfaction.
Tony Khan’s timely post fuels AEW vs WWE narrative
Amid the backlash, Tony Khan took to X (formerly Twitter) and posted a message that many interpreted as a direct dig at WWE.
He wrote, “AEW is where the best wrestle! #AEWCollision @TNTdrama #AEWDynamite @TBSNetwork @SportsonMax.”
While the statement itself wasn’t explicitly targeted, the timing raised eyebrows across the wrestling world. The post came right when conversations about SmackDown’s shortcomings were dominating social media platforms.
Khan’s remark also reignited the ongoing rivalry between AEW and WWE fanbases. With WrestleMania approaching, tensions are already high, and moments like these only deepen the divide between the two promotions.
With WrestleMania on the horizon, WWE is under increased scrutiny to deliver compelling television. Fans expect momentum to build toward the biggest event of the year, not stall due to questionable booking decisions.
At the same time, AEW continues to position itself as a strong alternative, with Tony Khan seizing opportunities to reinforce that narrative. His latest comment, whether intentional or not, adds another layer to the competitive landscape.
As the road to WrestleMania continues, all eyes will be on how WWE responds—and whether AEW can capitalize on the growing discontent among fans.
What did Tony Khan say about WWE?
Tony Khan posted, “AEW is where the best wrestle!” on social media, which many fans interpreted as a subtle jab at WWE following SmackDown’s negative reception.
Why was SmackDown criticized this week?
Fans were disappointed with the reveal of Pat McAfee as Randy Orton’s secret caller, along with issues related to pacing and match quality throughout the show.
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Blesson Daniel is a sub-editor who spends his days organizing words and managing social media, crafting bursts of creativity designed to make people smile. He occasionally dives into writing as well — whether it’s crafting articles, brainstorming ideas, or finding the perfect caption. Believing that every piece of writing offers an opportunity to tell a story, Blesson brings creativity and thoughtfulness to every project he takes on. When he’s not glued to his laptop, Blesson is likely planning his next travel adventure or losing himself in music. A passionate explorer of new places, sounds, and ideas, he believes in balancing work, play, and a good playlist in the background. Whether he’s editing, writing, or daydreaming about his next trip, Blesson is always chasing that sweet spot where creativity and curiosity collide to create something memorable.