Every era has its giants—and AEW is sprinting to catch WWE. As AEW gears up for its third annual All In event on July 12, 2025, Tony Khan is at a crossroads. He’s built something huge since 2019, but to truly soar, he must avoid the missteps that once tripped up WWE.
What WWE Did Wrong (and AEW Can Avoid)
WWE has stumbled over time—with complex storylines, overworked talent, and burnout. AEW can chart a different path by learning from those errors. Avoid churning out convoluted narratives, keep fresh blood in the spotlight, and don’t burn out stars before prime events .
Smart Scheduling = Stronger Stars
One glaring issue from WWE: pushing top talents too hard before marquee shows. AEW’s own talent—like Mercedes Moné and Kazuchika Okada—have been booked heavily on weekly shows close to All In. That’s a risky move. Injuries happen. WWE learned the hard way when key players went down, and AEW shouldn’t repeat that.
Focus on Your Core Product
A few years back, Khan fell into WWE-style baiting—calling out WWE, reacting to their moves. Fans don’t need feuds between companies; they crave killer matches and gripping promos. He’s smart to shift focus back to AEW strengths—like fan care, creative freedom, and authentic wrestling vibes .
Build Storylines Like WWE’s Best (But Simplify)
WWE nurturing factions like The Bloodline and Judgment Day created layered, “tune-in every week” hooks . AEW has the building blocks—Death Riders, Hurt Syndicate—but loose arcs can’t compete. AEW could borrow that storyline structure: anchor shows around a few big stables, then weave in rising talents.
AEW’s Game Plan vs. WWE’s Pitfalls
| Focus Area | WWE Pitfall | AEW Smart Move |
|---|---|---|
| Talent Booking | Overbooked, risk of injury pre-shows | Rest stars before All In 2025 |
| Creative Strategy | Baiting rivals, reactionary moves | Focus on AEW’s own stories & fans |
| Storytelling | Complex, faction-based arcs | Simplified, faction-driven narratives |
| Fan Engagement | Burnout, viewership peaks/drop cycles | Consistent pacing, highlight rising stars |
All In 2025—Big Picture Stakes
AEW’s “All In: Texas” marks a milestone—first PPV in a baseball stadium (Globe Life Field), starting in the afternoon, debuting the new AEW Unified Championship match (Okada vs. Omega). It’s a statement event. Tony Khan has the chance to solidify AEW’s powerhouse brand if he keeps the lessons in mind.
Conclusion
AEW is firing on all cylinders—but greatness isn’t just about ambition. It’s about smart execution. Tony Khan has the blueprint: learn from WWE’s fumbles, protect talent, streamline storytelling, and double down on AEW’s identity. If he checks those boxes, All In 2025 could be the defining moment AEW cements itself as WWE’s true rival—by building better, not just bigger.