Wrestling Fans Launch Online War against Tony Khan for Alleged Copycat Move on Dynamite
The wrestling global is another time ablaze with controversy as fanatics release a scathing online assault towards AEW President Tony Khan. The uproar stems from what many understand as a blatant copycat pass harking back to WWE’s current QR code method, leaving netizens divided and captivated with their views.
Just weeks after WrestleMania XL, WWE brought a captivating trend of hiding QR codes for the duration of their weekly matches. These codes, whilst scanned, reveal cryptic messages teasing the go back of Uncle Howdy and the mysterious Wyatt 6. This revolutionary approach quickly caught the eye of fanatics worldwide, creating a buzz within the wrestling community.
AEW, recognized for its boundary-pushing creativity, lately followed a comparable tactic throughout their Dynamite episode on 06/05. The promotion applied a QR code to unveil a secret promo providing Mercedes Mone as part of their new marketing campaign, “Follow the Mone.” While QR codes were a part of AEW’s advertising arsenal, this circulation raised eyebrows because of its hanging resemblance to WWE’s method.
Your CEO (@MercedesVarnado) is looking to reward her loyal fans.
Watch #AEWDynamite tonight at 8/7c to learn how to #FollowTheMone pic.twitter.com/RYzAa7Kbfk
— AEW on TV (@AEWonTV) June 5, 2024
Critics argue that AEW’s choice to rent QR codes following WWE’s lead indicates a loss of originality and a choice to trip the coattails of their competitor’s success. The QR code, pre-announced on social media, seemed as a promotional commercial for the duration of Dynamite, prompting speedy backlash from fans who felt AEW was simply copying a trend without including sizable price.
The online wrestling community erupted in debate, with some questioning AEW’s reasons and others protecting the merchandising’s right to test with progressive advertising and marketing techniques. One regular sentiment became that AEW’s adoption of QR codes turned into a strategic circulate to generate buzz and engagement, albeit at the rate of originality.
QR code during Dynamite?…so original 🥰🥰🥰 https://t.co/NSHRd8XGWc pic.twitter.com/jrcl57Ubri
— AEWNeckbeards™🥰🌈 (@AEWNeckbeard) June 5, 2024
Comments flooded social media systems, with fans expressing disappointment and skepticism toward Tony Khan’s innovative course. Accusations of mimicry and opportunism had been hurled at AEW, highlighting the competitive nature of the wrestling enterprise and the intense loyalty of its fanbase.
Yeah, WWE just called. AEW is a couple years late.
— Joseph “The Demon “Albanese (@DemonEvilMuscle) June 5, 2024
I can’t believe they actually had the nerve to do this like she couldn’t just cut a promo. This is an excuse to have a QR code on your show.
— Elctrik (@Elctrik2) June 5, 2024
“AEW fans are in for a treat tonight on Dynamite, as they are being prompted to look out for a QR code that promises a special surprise.”
“Hey what’s WWE doing that we’re not?”
“Something about QR codes.”
“Ok, cool, let’s promote that there’s gonna be a QR code on #AEWDynamite”
— thinksojoe (@thinksojoe) June 5, 2024
In response to the debate, AEW fanatics defended the promotion’s actions, citing the want to conform to evolving traits within the digital age. Some argued that WWE’s QR code method became a truthful game for emulation, even as others criticized AEW for not capitalizing on its precise strengths.
My theory: #AEW obviously copied the QR code idea from #WWE. This was exactly what they intended. It’s not actually about the QR code, it’s about getting people to talk about AEW online by hook or In this case literally, by crook.
I like Mercedes so I at least hope it leads to…
— Kalel13301 (@Kalel13301) June 5, 2024
Bu bu but @WWEREALONE says “AEW is not like WWE”
Tonight the QR Code and ending with this BS cheap copy#AEW is a trash company that only people with two fingers of forehead watch that sh*t https://t.co/YNirPoqBM3
— ELo_DeNa (@WWE_WOp) June 6, 2024
The heated exchanges underscored the passion and determination of wrestling enthusiasts, who intently display every pass made by their favorite promotions. As the talk rages on, Tony Khan and AEW find themselves on the center of a social media hurricane, navigating the best line among innovation and imitation in the ever-evolving global of professional wrestling.
