AEW Responds to Tony Khan’s Commentary on Meetings and Jake Hager’s Claims Amidst Wrestling Industry Tensions

FTR Dispute Jake Hager‘s Account of 2022 AEW Meeting

Published: August 26, 2025

Archyde News Desk – A recent exchange highlights differing recollections of a pivotal meeting within All elite Wrestling (AEW), as members of FTR publicly challenge statements made by former AEW talent Jake Hager.

The dispute began following Hager’s appearance on the “Insight with Chris Van Vliet” podcast, where he discussed his departure from AEW in 2024 and voiced frustrations with company practices. Hager alleged that a closed-door meeting with AEW President Tony Khan in 2022 involved a disrespectful outburst toward the roster,sparked by talent’s reluctance to participate in televised events due to creative disagreements.

Hager specifically suggested that FTR were among those who declined to appear on television, triggering the alleged reaction from Khan. This assertion was swiftly refuted by Dax Harwood of FTR,who took to social media to present a contrasting account.

Harwood maintained that he and his FTR partner, Cash Wheeler, were present at the meeting and that Khan did not interrupt or display any disrespectful behavior. He underscored FTR’s consistent commitment to fulfilling their AEW obligations, especially since the inception of the Collision program. Wheeler later corroborated Harwood’s statement, sharing a private message exchange with Hager aimed at clarifying the events.

The exchange between Hager and Wheeler centers on the nature of the 2022 meeting and the specific circumstances surrounding the decision-making process. Wheeler’s sharing of their direct message exchange adds a layer of transparency to the dispute, providing a public record of their conversation.

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, Daniel “cash” Wheeler (@CashWheelerFTR)
August 26, 2025

Did You Know? The wrestlers’ union movement in professional wrestling has gained momentum in recent years, with athletes increasingly advocating for their rights and creative control.

The Evolving Landscape of Professional Wrestling

The exchange between Hager and FTR highlights a broader trend in professional wrestling: the increasing scrutiny of management’s relationships with performers. As wrestling evolves, talent are becoming more vocal about creative direction and working conditions.This shift reflects a broader empowerment of athletes in all sports and entertainment industries.

Historically, professional wrestling operated under a more closed system, where creative decisions were largely dictated by promoters and management.However, the rise of social media and independent wrestling circuits has given performers greater agency and a platform to express their views.

This evolution also raises crucial questions about the balance of power between performers, management, and fans, and about the impact of creative control on the quality and integrity of the product.

Pro Tip: Understanding the complexities of professional wrestling requires recognizing that it’s both a scripted performance and a legitimate athletic competition, with real-life relationships and tensions playing a significant role.

Frequently Asked Questions About AEW and FTR

• What is AEW? All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is a professional wrestling promotion founded in 2019 as an choice to WWE.
• Who are FTR? FTR is a professional wrestling tag team comprised of Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler, known for their classic wrestling style.
• What was Jake Hager’s role in AEW? Jake Hager was a professional wrestler signed to AEW from 2019 to 2024, primarily competing in the AEW Dark and AEW Dynamite programs.
• What are the common disputes in professional wrestling? Disputes often revolve around creative control, booking decisions, and compensation.
• How are wrestlers advocating for their rights? Wrestlers are increasingly using social media and forming unions to advocate for better working conditions and creative input.

What are your thoughts on the recent exchange between FTR and Jake Hager? Do you think wrestlers should have more creative control over their characters? Share your views in the comments below!

How might Tony Khan’s public statements regarding AEW’s internal meetings and business decisions influence fan perception of the company’s stability and direction?

AEW Responds: Analyzing Tony Khan’s Comments and Jake Hager’s Statements Amidst Wrestling Tensions

The Current Landscape of AEW & Wrestling Industry Challenges

The wrestling world is always buzzing, and All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is consistently at the forefront of the conversation. With wrestling industry tensions escalating, the responses from key figures like Tony Khan and wrestlers such as Jake Hager are under intense scrutiny. This analysis breaks down recent events, focusing on AEW’s reactions to several key issues.

Tony Khan’s Commentary: Meetings and the Business of Wrestling

Tony Khan, the president and CEO of AEW, has made several public statements regarding the company’s operations. These remarks frequently enough touch upon internal meetings and crucial business decisions that might impact the wrestling world. One can speculate that Khan’s goal is to provide transparency, especially in a business context.

Strategic Partnerships: Khan frequently discusses AEW’s collaborations with other wrestling promotions or entertainment ventures. Understanding these partnerships provides viewers with potential insight into company direction.

Talent Management: Issues relating to the roster’s contracts, roles, and representation.

Market Dynamics: Discuss the business of wrestling as it applies to competition.

Jake Hager’s Claims and AEW’s Response

Jake Hager, a prominent wrestler in AEW and also known for his mixed martial arts endeavors, presented his outlook on several matters. Hager’s publicly stated opinions have sparked a wide range of reactions among fans and industry professionals.

Behind-the-Scenes Discussions: Hager’s claims usually reference the dynamics among wrestlers.

Match Bookings and Storylines: As a veteran performer,Hager may offer unique perspectives due to wrestling match experience.

AEW’s Future: Hager’s insights and statements are regularly subject to interpretation.

Understanding Wrestling Industry tensions: A Deeper Dive

Wrestling industry tensions are complex and multifaceted. Competitive dynamics, talent relations, and the constant push for success contribute to the heightened stakes. These tensions can manifest in various forms.

Factors Contributing to conflict

Competition between Promotions: The rivalry between AEW and other major wrestling promotions (such as WWE) creates intense competition.

Differing Creative Visions: Disputes can emerge between wrestlers, writers, and management on the direction of storylines.

Contract Negotiations and Talent mobility: Contracts and how to recruit talent in the wrestling industry.

Impact on the Wrestling Community

Such tensions affect everyone:

Wrestlers: The impact on the careers of the wrestlers.

Promotions: the public image of AEW and other wrestling promotions.

Fans: Affect the viewing experience and the overall satisfaction.

Navigating the Future of AEW and Wrestling

AEW must navigate the wrestling landscape. This involves strategic decisions, the growth of talent, and a clear vision for the future.

Key Considerations

Talent Management: Maintain good relations with wrestlers.

Fan Engagement: Address and react to fans’ concerns.

Long-Term Strategy: Planning beyond short-term goals.

Potential Impacts and Implications

Ratings and Revenue: How AEW’s decisions affect the number of viewers and earnings.

Talent Retention and Attraction: The ongoing efforts to attract and keep star wrestlers.

Industry Influence: AEW’s influence on the industry.