Elite Means Elite

Names matter, and the name "All Elite Wrestling" matters a lot.  The promotion authored by Cody & the Young Bucks and owned by Shad Khan's son will be Elite, or it will die trying.

The term "Shad Khan's son" is hardly music to the money man behind All Elite, Tony Khan.  Sons of successful entrepreneurs rarely enjoy discussion of the fact that their dads made a lot of money.  There is a perception that being such a son comes with inherent advantages.  Vince McMahon says that Shane had to work twice as hard to reach his position, but many fans and journalists simply don't believe it.  Dynasties like the McMahons of wrestling or Rooneys of football are spotlighted.  Cases where the family business is not handed down -- the Denver Broncos' present ownership drama, for example -- are ignored.

Shad Khan is relevant to AEW because he is a remarkable man, with a remarkably American success story.  He emigrated from Pakistan, and simply decided to embrace American culture.  He joined a fraternity, he married an American woman, and he gave his children names like Tony and Shanna.  He did not separate himself by race or culture.  He focused on success for himself and prosperity for his adopted country.

A son raised by a man like Shad Khan cannot help but be burdened by his shadow.  Said frankly: Tony cannot think small.  Shad could have demanded to be called Shahid, found a Pakistani immigrant community, married a Pakistani-American woman, and still have had a measure of career success.  He did not want an anonymously comfortable career, and so Tony cannot either.  

Tony Khan has choices.  He could let his money earn money, and spend the next decade on the international party circuit (perhaps assuming Jho Low's vacated spot).  He could donate his wealth to charity and become one with nature.  These are high class options.   He cannot, however, aim low.  Offering a shoestring promotional budget in exchange for being a pro wrestling booker is not in the cards.  It would confirm every negative rich kid stereotype.

All indications are that Tony Khan will be intimately involved in All Elite Wrestling, and if Tony Khan is intimately involved, then All Elite Wrestling is going big.  Not just Solid Number Two big.  AEW is eyeing the top spot.  They want to beat WWE.

The stars have aligned for a contender to challenge WWE's throne.  Interest rates remain low, giving investors a thirst for risk.  The media rights market remains strong.  WWE television ratings are falling (again).  A fanbase exists for "5 Star" matches, which are less complicated & expensive to promote than traditional wrestling angles.  Money, opportunity, and a marketplace.  It's mother's milk to the ambitious son of an American success story.

Cody and the Young Bucks have exhibited taste and savvy, to go with their ambitions.  Do not expect AEW to announce on January 8th that they're coming for WWE's spot.  

The roll has to be slow.  The demographic sought by AEW is delicate.  They do not tolerate negativity, and harsh judgment is applied to those who violate their norms.  They want to be part of something cool and fun.  Think Marvel movies and Starlink.  

If in any way AEW acquires the odor of failure, they are through.  The modern wrestling fanbase will flee.  They cannot debut on television to low ratings, as ECW did.  They cannot run live events in half-full buildings, as New Japan did.  The Elite must be Elite: the best matches, the most fun, the liveliest weekly show.  

AEW is not a well-funded competitor to ROH.  They are not the American version of New Japan.  Their prey resides in Stamford, CT.  Trips & Steph: they're coming for you.