On a recent edition of his “Keepin’ It 100” podcast, AAA booker Konnan critiqued Tony Khan’s booking of CMLL wrestlers on AEW television.
Konnan said, “They [CMLL] came in, nobody knew who they were, they were standing…or sitting in the audience, [Jon] Moxley made fun of them or whatever when he went to the corner, so now a match is made with no backstory, nothing. Then they have two matches, and now they’re [BCC] already wrestling FTR. Two matches that meant nothing, did nothing for anybody, right? Really nothing. Then they bring this kid in, Atlantis Jr., nobody knows who the f*** it is.”
On a recent edition of the “WrestleBinge” podcast, AEW’s QT Marshall discussed Cody Rhodes establishing himself as the new face of WWE following his return in 2022.
Marshall said, “100%. I think getting him away from WWE and letting him do his own thing and figuring it out on his own, what he needed to do, so on and so forth. People always say, ‘What do you think he did?’ … And I always say, ‘From what he told me, he went and did every independent show he possibly could do. He met every single fan, shook their hand, spoke to them, looked them in the eye like human beings, and just told them how much he appreciated their support.’”
In the world of professional wrestling, there are always discussions and debates about the booking decisions made by promoters and the impact they have on the wrestlers involved. Recently, two prominent figures in the wrestling industry, Konnan and QT Marshall, shared their thoughts on the booking strategies of Tony Khan, the president of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), and Cody Rhodes, a popular wrestler and executive vice president of AEW.
Konnan, who serves as a booker for AAA (Asistencia Asesoría y Administración), expressed his critique of Tony Khan’s booking of CMLL (Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre) wrestlers on AEW television during an episode of his “Keepin’ It 100” podcast. He highlighted the lack of backstory and build-up for these wrestlers, which he believes diminishes the significance of their matches. Konnan also mentioned that the introduction of Atlantis Jr., a relatively unknown wrestler, without proper context or fan familiarity, further weakened the impact of his appearance.
On the other hand, QT Marshall, a wrestler and trainer in AEW, discussed Cody Rhodes’ journey to establishing himself as the new face of WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) during an episode of the “WrestleBinge” podcast. Marshall emphasized that Rhodes needed to distance himself from WWE and carve out his own path. According to Marshall, Rhodes accomplished this by participating in numerous independent wrestling shows, engaging with fans on a personal level, and expressing his gratitude for their support. This approach allowed Rhodes to connect with fans on a deeper level and build his own brand outside of WWE.
These contrasting viewpoints shed light on the different approaches to booking and character development in professional wrestling. While Konnan’s criticism focuses on the lack of storytelling and buildup for CMLL wrestlers in AEW, Marshall’s perspective highlights the importance of personal connection and fan engagement in establishing a wrestler’s identity.
The wrestling industry thrives on the ability to create compelling storylines and characters that resonate with the audience. Effective booking involves carefully crafting narratives, building anticipation, and creating emotional investment in the matches and rivalries. When done successfully, it can elevate wrestlers to new heights and create memorable moments that fans will cherish.
As AEW continues to grow and establish itself as a major player in the wrestling landscape, it will be interesting to see how Tony Khan and his team address these concerns and refine their booking strategies. The input from figures like Konnan and QT Marshall provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for AEW and its roster of talented wrestlers.
In conclusion, the recent comments from Konnan and QT Marshall offer a glimpse into the world of professional wrestling booking and the different perspectives on its impact. While Konnan criticizes Tony Khan’s handling of CMLL wrestlers in AEW, Marshall praises Cody Rhodes’ ability to establish himself outside of WWE through personal connection with fans. These discussions highlight the importance of storytelling, character development, and fan engagement in creating successful wrestling experiences. As the industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for promoters and wrestlers to adapt their strategies to meet the ever-changing demands of the audience.