Tony Khan, the brain behind Elite Wrestling (AEW), is criticized for his talent management. Despite the star-studded lineup, some wrestlers felt underutilized, raising concerns about their performance. One name that pops up in these conversations is Wardlow, a strong man who many believe has never reached his full potential under Khan’s management.
AEW Wardlow’s tour
Wardlow’s journey in AEW has been a rollercoaster. He was full of promise from the start, showing his strength and agility. Fans rallied behind him in anticipation of his meteoric rise. But the momentum seems to have passed and many people are wondering if AEW is the right platform for him. The lack of highlights and big matches left fans disappointed and questioning Tony Khan’s decisions.
Ryback Insight: Call WWE
Former WWE Intercontinental Champion Ryback weighed in on Wardlow’s situation. On his podcast, Ryback encouraged Wardlow to consider moving to WWE, where he believes Wardlow can be “good.” He said, “I hope that he will have the opportunity to go to WWE and do well because I think it will be very good for him if he does; if he can’t be used properly in AEW. I don’t know What happens, I always say this is probably the biggest problem.”
Ryback’s comments were criticized by many fans who felt that Wardlow’s talents were wasted. Wardlow was last seen in action on the March 13 episode of AEW Dynamite, and his absence caused much attention.
Wardlow’s WWE Future: Possible?
The idea of Wardlow joining WWE isn’t so simple. WWE has a history of reviving the industry and giving wrestlers a bigger platform to shine. Wardlow’s physical attributes and in-ring abilities could make him a popular star on the WWE roster. If he, like Ryback, is not used in AEW, it is wise to look at other opportunities, including WWE.
Ricky Starks: Another AEW Talent
Difficult situation
Wardlow isn’t the only AEW talent considering a better opportunity. Another influential star, Ricky Starks, has been absent from the AEW program since March 2024. The following was absent without any information regarding his contract status or plans.
Criticism of Tony Khan’s administration
Defenders believe that Starks, like Wardlow, did not have a chance with him. The WrestleMania Podcast host discussed the possibility of Starks leaving AEW, noting his close relationship with WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes. This relationship could pave the way for Starks to make the transition to WWE, where he will have the opportunity to gain recognition and creativity that he lacked in AEW.
Potential AEW losses: What’s next for Wardlow and Starks?
The departures of Wardlow and Starks reflect a general trend in AEW. Skill management and book decisions are important in professional wrestling, and Tony Khan’s tactics are closely watched. If Wardlow and Starks decide to part ways, there could be a lot of changes in the wrestling world, and AEW will have to re-evaluate its strategy for retaining top talent.
Impact on AEW
Losing talent like Wardlow and Starks would be a huge blow to AEW. Many fans are both fans and bring unique skills to the ring. Their departure will not only weaken AEW’s roster but also strengthen WWE’s, potentially affecting the balance of power in wrestling.
For Wardlow and Starks, the future remains uncertain but full of potential. WWE provided an opportunity to revive their careers, providing storylines and matches that showcased their abilities. Whether it jumps or finds new content in AEW remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the wrestling world will be watching.
