AEW has faced considerable scrutiny due to numerous behind-the-scenes problems that have plagued the company since last year. There is a growing sentiment among many that Tony Khan lacks the necessary skills to effectively manage these issues, and legendary manager and promoter Jim Cornette seems to share the sentiment.
Discussing what it would take for CM Punk to potentially return to AEW during an episode of The Jim Cornette Experience, Jim Cornette highlighted Tony Khan’s weaknesses as an executive. He drew a comparison between Tony Khan and Paul Heyman, asserting that Heyman would have been better equipped to manage AEW’s backstage concerns. He said,
“I don’t think anybody is going to accuse Tony of being a crook or a manipulative, you know, like a Paul Heyman figure that’s manipulating everybody from behind the scenes for his own selfish purposes. He is not that person, he is not that smart. That’s why he is where he’s at because he came into wrestling thinking all these guys were going to be his friends because he is giving ’em jobs and everybody’s going to be happy with each other because everyboy enjoys each other in the wrestling business.”
It is important to note that while Jim Cornette’s comments may suggest a negative view of Heyman, this is not the case. Cornette holds Heyman in high regard and often praises his skills as a manager and promoter, referring to him as a “genius” on multiple occasions. Despite his dislike for hardcore wrestling (Heyman’s forte as ECW booker), Cornette has credited Heyman’s philosophy and views on wrestling.
Needless to say, Cornette does not seem to hold Tony Khan’s booking and promoting abilities in the same regard.