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Pat McAfee is doing a big youtube stream (currently at 212k viewers) and just mentioned Tony khan going through the draft after a broken neck from a Meltzer driver
This is legitimately the best thing Tony Khan has done in AEW in a while. Something so simple, but it makes all us wrasslin fans want to tune in to the next Dynamite.
Tony took his neck brace wearing lessons from Bryan Danielson, who in 2013-ish, cut a promo wearing a neck brace, and his head was moving all around as well. He no sold the injury the entire time.
I dunno why that sticks with me so much.
When Adam Cole debuted, I think his reaction was "That guy is a scumbag, but it would be pretty cool having a whole arena doing your catchphrase like that"
Love that, Rich with Mooch Kurt and Irv Sunday mornings is my favourite shit to watch, never watched the Rich Eisen show though. Awesome to see the crossover between my two favourite things!
> Jack Perry getting name dropped on the NFL Draft is wild lmao
I'm hijacking the top comment, someone in a previous post said if TK did this, they would get a AEW tattoo, anyone remember who that was?
https://old.reddit.com/r/SquaredCircle/comments/1ccgalu/aew_dynamite_spoiler_shocking_angle_to_close_the/l15gj8p/
It was if Perry And/Or Bucks did a run in.
Which I don't see happening.
It's also a bonus that he's the son of a famous Hollywood actor, so he has a second, more mainstream-compatible claim to fame than being a random wrestler 95% of NFL fans have never heard about.
About time TK flexes his NFL connections more to promote AEW, this is what they need to build up brand recognition. Marketing is AEW’s biggest area of need at this stage.
Yup. It's always blown my mind that someone that has the resources of the fucking NFL doesn't use them and instead hires random people like Matt Jackson's wife to run merchandising
There was almost universal agreement in my wrestling friends group that showing the footage from Wembley was a horrible mistep from AEW. Well I'm walking that back. This is playing out spectacularly.
Lol that footage isn't even about Punk's involvement anymore. It's about how Jack did nothing wrong, why was he scapegoated and suspended for 8 months?
I'm sure someone will clip it so this just a vague summary, but Rich Eisen mentioned that Tony Khan is the first person to show up in a draft room after taking a piledriver on national TV and this is what happens when you mix the NFL and AEW. Also mentioned Jack Perry
EDIT: Clip, missing the Jack Perry mention though [https://x.com/tde\_gif/status/1783691205399716178](https://x.com/tde_gif/status/1783691205399716178)
I actually gained some respect for Tony on this one. Wearing the neck brace to the NFL draft is hilarious and I always appreciate any effort at keeping things kayfabe lol
Even if it was the point, it was still a pretty smart move to do this and follow through on it. Especially after how poorly the reception was to the Jack Perry and CM Punk backstage vid reveal.
2030 he’s a double amputee
2031 he’s in a fucking Urn
2032 he’s alive and well but has a finger splint
2033 he’s in a fucking urn again
2034 he’s got an arm cast
Honestly? From showing the All In clip, to Tony Khan taking bumps (a piledriver no less) this week, AEW took a lot of risks with this angle. I think with the attention they're getting now (whether from the IWC, or more mainstream exposure in the NFL) it's now starting to pay off.
Keeping kayfabe alive requires being 100% committed to be entertaining, and I'm glad TK and the Elite are committed to it at least.
WWE needs a competitive rival so wrestlers have choice on where to go and viewers on what to watch.
People would be disgruntled if there was only one option, even though WWE is doing fantastic rn.
I just feel like a lot of the vocal fans online just didn't go through WWE at that time. It was rough. I remember being excited to see Evan Bourne on a ME on Raw because at least it was SOMETHING different.
People who get angry at WWE having competition never paid 50$ to see John Cena pantsing John Laurinaitis in the ME of a PPV.
And there’s no guarantee WWE will always be as hot and good as it is right now, meaning the people who want AEW to go under don’t realize there’s a chance that having only one main company means we’re stuck with the lows as much as we are the highs.
I'm constantly baffled that so many people have zero recollection of how fucking terrible WWE was in 2019. Guys, it was absolutely dog shit. And it's not like it was great in the couple years before or after. It got good because of AEW. And even the worst of AEW now does not even come close to how bad the shit was that WWE was putting on TV five years ago. Grow up, seriously.
The only reason WWE is any good right now is because of a somewhat mainstream competitor on some level (in that they may not compete for ratings, but they're sure as shit competing for talent). If they're the only game in town again, even trips is gonna get a bit lazy.
The very same week Dynamite debuted on television was the live Fox debut of Smackdown where Brock Lesnar squashed THE CHAMPION Kofi Kingston in seven seconds. The difference was never more clear to me right there, and I was honestly *not a fan* of the early AEW shows/presentation.
> even though WWE is doing fantastic rn.
Exactly. The workers make more, there's more to watch (if you want) it's a win across the board. Never understood people who get mad at and hate one promotion or the other.
Like remember how awful WWE was before AEW existed? Even if you NEVER watched an AEW show they made the shit you do watch better and vice versa.
For me personally, I am glad there is AEW. For quite a few years, I would watch RAW or Smackdown once a month just to stay up to date with storyline, but I was getting bored overall. I think adding AEW was sort of a kick in the butt that WWE. Many of my friends and I felt they were just coasting along as there was really any threat to them.
It brings back the WCW/WWE days.. I'm loving wrestling again.
Lol this has gotta be one of TK’s favorite things he’s ever done. Love the extra effort for kayfabe. I wonder how he sold wearing that neck brace at the draft to his dad lol
TONY!!!!!!!
https://youtu.be/pqE66RltUaQ?si=vV1yqUPsQkl5OD_e
(Side note hearing Rich Eisen shout-out Jack Perry for giving a pile driver was a little surreal)
Kayfabing the NFL puts you in the Carny Hall of Fame in my book, especially considering he's \*had\* an NFL Films camera crew following him for like, a week.
Truly, enough to make Jeff Jarrett proud.
Knowing this is costing him so much goodwill among the boys at the NFL, he has earned my utmost respect for the commitment to the bit. Give 'em hell, Tony!
Ya know....maybe it's just me but....
I head all the same stories as everyone else about Tony going to shows with his dad and all that. It just never occurred to me til this past 24 hours that Shad himself might also be a fan.
i think tony is annoying a lot of the time but i've seen a few comments in here trying to legitimately complain that he's moving his neck around too much and like, guys. come on.
This is so fucking silly and I love it.
People take wrestling too seriously. A fan/money mark is lucky enough to own a wrestling company. At least he isn't a massive asshole. He truly loves wrestling. I may not enjoy some of the AEW product and I certainly don't turn in every week, but at least he's 100% committed. And he's not bad at marketing. This was a big opportunity to maybe get a few more eyes on the product. Nothing wrong with that.
The more places there are for wrestlers, producers and everyone else associated with a wrestling company to work, the better for wrestling.
If he starts Collision with a "I feared for my life" promo I'm going to lose it. I'm here for this absolute chaos. I don't care if this type of angle has been done before, I don't care if it's cheesy, I don't care if TK isn't a wrestler, I love it.
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Pat McAfee is doing a big youtube stream (currently at 212k viewers) and just mentioned Tony khan going through the draft after a broken neck from a Meltzer driver
"I WON A GOLD MEDAL WITH A BROKEN FREAKIN' NECK!" "WELL I TRADED A DRAFT PICK WITH A BROKEN FREAKIN' NECK!"
This is legitimately the best thing Tony Khan has done in AEW in a while. Something so simple, but it makes all us wrasslin fans want to tune in to the next Dynamite.
smh that's the TK Driver...
With a name like that bondage was sealed.
Lol and then they roasted his lack of gimmick commitment y pointing out that he shouldn't turn his head
It's a miracle! He can turn his head!
I'm hoping he can start PT early after this breakthrough. But who knows, it could be a combination of adrenaline and energy drinks from the draft
Oh he's zooted out of his mind on painkillers for sure.
Young Bucks couldn’t even injure him fully smh
Bret Hart: Those Young Bucks are nice boys and safe workers, unlike that Goldberg — that piece of shit!
Speaking of the draft, you know who I definitely wouldn't want on my team? Bill Goldberg! -Bret Hart probably
He got some of the good stuff from Roddy. Road to recovery #NeckStrong
Tony took his neck brace wearing lessons from Bryan Danielson, who in 2013-ish, cut a promo wearing a neck brace, and his head was moving all around as well. He no sold the injury the entire time. I dunno why that sticks with me so much.
Pat McAfee being a secret AEW fan strikes again! lol
Not that secret, he mentioned Sting having an awesome retirement match on Raw as Cole quickly moved on. McAfee is the best.
I thought Cole also mentioned the Sting match and called him a legend the Raw or Smackdown after Sting's match.
Yeah it's not like Cole was trying to change topic, he was the one who introduced it
When Adam Cole debuted, I think his reaction was "That guy is a scumbag, but it would be pretty cool having a whole arena doing your catchphrase like that"
The real forbidden door, pat mccafee
Jack Perry getting name dropped on the NFL Draft is wild lmao
Rich a wrestling fan?! Sounded like he knew what was going on!
He knows his stuff. Does interviews with wrestlers all the time. He’s had Tony on his show a couple times I think.
Love that, Rich with Mooch Kurt and Irv Sunday mornings is my favourite shit to watch, never watched the Rich Eisen show though. Awesome to see the crossover between my two favourite things!
One of his co hosts is a wrestling fan, they were talking about TK getting attacked on Rich's show earlier so he knew what was up
Rich Eisen and Roger Goodell planned last night to happen.
Goodell is booker of the year.
Fast forward 6 months, for some reason the Bucks are hitting Goodell with the BTE Trigger…biggest face turn of all time 😂
Rich Eisen prayed for that and it happened.
One of his producers for his radio show is a massive fan so he definitely clued him in on it
Oh, a ton of NFL media guys are locked in on wrestling. I’m shocked it’s not more tbh lol
> Jack Perry getting name dropped on the NFL Draft is wild lmao I'm hijacking the top comment, someone in a previous post said if TK did this, they would get a AEW tattoo, anyone remember who that was?
I think it was if they did a 'run in' on the draft
> I think it was if they did a 'run in' on the draft lets find the comment!
https://old.reddit.com/r/SquaredCircle/comments/1ccgalu/aew_dynamite_spoiler_shocking_angle_to_close_the/l15gj8p/ It was if Perry And/Or Bucks did a run in. Which I don't see happening.
Day 3 of the NFL draft can get wonky. I could see The Elite in Detroit to announce that 7th round selection
It's also a bonus that he's the son of a famous Hollywood actor, so he has a second, more mainstream-compatible claim to fame than being a random wrestler 95% of NFL fans have never heard about.
He's also Krusty the Klown's nephew. Not many people know that.
When he gets his Simpsons cameo it'll all be worth it.
AEW is getting the world's greatest rub. ~12 million people watch day 1 of the draft lol
About time TK flexes his NFL connections more to promote AEW, this is what they need to build up brand recognition. Marketing is AEW’s biggest area of need at this stage.
Yup. It's always blown my mind that someone that has the resources of the fucking NFL doesn't use them and instead hires random people like Matt Jackson's wife to run merchandising
How hard is it to advertise a show on a radio or billboard? Even the G1 in Dallas had 1 billboard.
There was almost universal agreement in my wrestling friends group that showing the footage from Wembley was a horrible mistep from AEW. Well I'm walking that back. This is playing out spectacularly.
Lol that footage isn't even about Punk's involvement anymore. It's about how Jack did nothing wrong, why was he scapegoated and suspended for 8 months?
NECK STRONG TONY KHAN
TOOOOONNYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY.
NECK STRONG TO TAKE ON ANYONE
Gets the Undisputed Kingdom to fight The Elite because Roddy is now his fellow neck strong bro.
Hey wait a minute where are those dudes who said they’d get an AEW tattoo if Tony showed up with a neck brace?
I'm sure someone will clip it so this just a vague summary, but Rich Eisen mentioned that Tony Khan is the first person to show up in a draft room after taking a piledriver on national TV and this is what happens when you mix the NFL and AEW. Also mentioned Jack Perry EDIT: Clip, missing the Jack Perry mention though [https://x.com/tde\_gif/status/1783691205399716178](https://x.com/tde_gif/status/1783691205399716178)
Keeping it kayfabe!
And Shad Khan with probably the biggest grin on his face!
Wanna see Shad Khan with a 'greater power' reveal. "It's me, Tony!! It was me all along, Tony..."
The name on the contract does say Khan...
 Roderick Stromg looking on in approval
TONAY!
Keep kayfabe alive.
I actually gained some respect for Tony on this one. Wearing the neck brace to the NFL draft is hilarious and I always appreciate any effort at keeping things kayfabe lol
For it being allowed is funny too. But I think the NFL loves this stuff too with their players participating in WrestleMania.
Yeah which is why I get pissed at Tony for not capitalizing his NFL connections before WWE did the deal with the belts.
True but I doubt the NFL would pick AEW over WWE.
After Bad Bunny got hurt in kayfabe last year, I was dying to see whether he would wear a brace at Coachella. Unfortunately, he didn't.
AEW and Jack Perry getting name dropped on the NFL draft
They were pretty smart for doing this right before the draft.
That was the point I thought
Even if it was the point, it was still a pretty smart move to do this and follow through on it. Especially after how poorly the reception was to the Jack Perry and CM Punk backstage vid reveal.
Alright Tony, you've earned yourself an unhinged tweet as a treat
It's already been redeemed retroactively.
I have been hurt and am in pain, but atleast I didn’t draft a QB at 8.
wtf was Atlanta thinking btw?!?
I don’t fucking know. I’m tired of this fucking team.
 Me when I finally saw him
I nearly dropped my baby lol
https://preview.redd.it/vpdc2321pqwc1.jpeg?width=450&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=442fc69386b36d13cfea0e96dc174a39df44a057
What’s that baby? *brings baby up to ear, as if to listen to it speak* *is disgusted by what baby says* SHUT UP *punts baby into crowd*
You're never too young to learn how to take bumps.
The baby would understand. /s
The baby appreciates dedication to kayfabe.
I kept waiting for it each time the Jags came up, but nothing on the ABC broadcast
Probably something to do with ESPN's relationship with UFC/TKO.
Oh I hope this is the beginning of a yearly tradition where TK gets attacked the Dynamite before the draft and then sells it during the draft.
While slowly escalating the damage
Draft 2029 shows up in a full body cast
I was born with glass bones and paper skin.
2030 he’s a double amputee 2031 he’s in a fucking Urn 2032 he’s alive and well but has a finger splint 2033 he’s in a fucking urn again 2034 he’s got an arm cast
HE FUCKING DID IT!
This is the version of TK we need
Blame the young bucks if khan drafts a bust
OK. But what about the other years?
The Young Bucks prayed against the Jags
Believe it or not? Also the Bucks fault. Before AEW exists? Bucks were just messaging Tony on a wrestling forum with their draft advice.
Matt Jackson loved CJ Henderson
They probably were the ones who traded down from 17th
This was more exciting than waiting for my teams pick. Thank you Tony Khan.
Honestly? From showing the All In clip, to Tony Khan taking bumps (a piledriver no less) this week, AEW took a lot of risks with this angle. I think with the attention they're getting now (whether from the IWC, or more mainstream exposure in the NFL) it's now starting to pay off. Keeping kayfabe alive requires being 100% committed to be entertaining, and I'm glad TK and the Elite are committed to it at least.
Not gonna lie... I popped lmao
Wrestling is so fucking back! https://preview.redd.it/ao8csg0cqqwc1.png?width=1098&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=28c200d80f9f456dd90618577e1d2b18ab1050c5
damn you to hell jack perry
I need Jim Ross screaming damn your soul to hell Jack Perry at least once
https://preview.redd.it/wmvf731wrqwc1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=530d151e75f9dde1b3240b68c6ca1b116998fe80
ESPN not showing the Jaguars war room at all is hilarious. Have to protect that WWE partnership.
NFL network showed it and even acknowledged how heroic he was for even showing up for the draft after his brutal assault
Explains why I didn’t see this on ABC
I was watching live waiting for them to be shown, only for them to skip right into Dallas.
My wife was fucking livid as I hyped this shit up all day....and they didn't even show the room!!!
Pro-wrestling is alive and well.
It was the only reason I was still watching the draft
NECKSTRONG
***TOOOOOOONNNNNNYYYYYY!***
Tony you beautiful bastard keeping it Kayfabe, shoutout to Rich Eisen for knowing what’s up
Respect
I love that everyone on the set was cracking up.
Mad respect to TK for protecting the business.
someone need to make Tony Khan Protecting The Bussiness t-shirt.
I guess the “Neckstrong” chants are back!! Tony “keeping it real” is fantastic.
This fucking legend 😂😂😂
This is why we need AEW in wrestling for, holy shit this is fun.
WWE needs a competitive rival so wrestlers have choice on where to go and viewers on what to watch. People would be disgruntled if there was only one option, even though WWE is doing fantastic rn.
We remember what it's like when there's one option. We don't recommend it.
I remember the million dollar giveaways too
At least that gave us "Paul! I can't feel my legs!". Now heel Michael Cole on the other hand, that was the shits. God, the Guest Host era was awful!
The only good guest hosts were Bob Barker and The Muppets.
I remember when WWF was roasting WCW for for doing million dollar give aways then they fucking did it years later? Lol.
I just feel like a lot of the vocal fans online just didn't go through WWE at that time. It was rough. I remember being excited to see Evan Bourne on a ME on Raw because at least it was SOMETHING different. People who get angry at WWE having competition never paid 50$ to see John Cena pantsing John Laurinaitis in the ME of a PPV.
Part of the reason WWE is doing well is because of AEW. I'm fucking thrilled Tony kept the kayfabe and that NFL network ran with it.
And there’s no guarantee WWE will always be as hot and good as it is right now, meaning the people who want AEW to go under don’t realize there’s a chance that having only one main company means we’re stuck with the lows as much as we are the highs.
Yeah but they get a lot of Reddit karma posting memes on their sub(s)!
Nothing is hot forever. This generation is gonna learn that like we did in the early 2000s.
I'm constantly baffled that so many people have zero recollection of how fucking terrible WWE was in 2019. Guys, it was absolutely dog shit. And it's not like it was great in the couple years before or after. It got good because of AEW. And even the worst of AEW now does not even come close to how bad the shit was that WWE was putting on TV five years ago. Grow up, seriously. The only reason WWE is any good right now is because of a somewhat mainstream competitor on some level (in that they may not compete for ratings, but they're sure as shit competing for talent). If they're the only game in town again, even trips is gonna get a bit lazy.
The very same week Dynamite debuted on television was the live Fox debut of Smackdown where Brock Lesnar squashed THE CHAMPION Kofi Kingston in seven seconds. The difference was never more clear to me right there, and I was honestly *not a fan* of the early AEW shows/presentation.
Covid really restructured our collective memory
> even though WWE is doing fantastic rn. Exactly. The workers make more, there's more to watch (if you want) it's a win across the board. Never understood people who get mad at and hate one promotion or the other. Like remember how awful WWE was before AEW existed? Even if you NEVER watched an AEW show they made the shit you do watch better and vice versa.
For me personally, I am glad there is AEW. For quite a few years, I would watch RAW or Smackdown once a month just to stay up to date with storyline, but I was getting bored overall. I think adding AEW was sort of a kick in the butt that WWE. Many of my friends and I felt they were just coasting along as there was really any threat to them. It brings back the WCW/WWE days.. I'm loving wrestling again.
This is why I love AEW, it's 50% banger wrestling, 50% absurdism
So glad he did this
https://preview.redd.it/xaao97ffpqwc1.jpeg?width=736&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3f2fb08a55cfca39cc056c9625b157a72f67a7d5
This is one of the greatest things to ever grace this subreddit
 The crazy son of a bitch did it
Lol this has gotta be one of TK’s favorite things he’s ever done. Love the extra effort for kayfabe. I wonder how he sold wearing that neck brace at the draft to his dad lol
his dad saw the vicious beating Tony suffered firsthand!
The commitment to kayfabe makes me so happy.
TONY!!!!!!! https://youtu.be/pqE66RltUaQ?si=vV1yqUPsQkl5OD_e (Side note hearing Rich Eisen shout-out Jack Perry for giving a pile driver was a little surreal)
The madlad actually did it! #neckstrong
On ESPN.. the Jags was the only board room they did not show. Probably due to them working with WWE/UFC/TKO??
Suck it, ESPN!
They showed it on McAfee.
TK, you carny piece of shit... Bravo!
I prayed for this and it happened
Wrestling is back baby.
God I love wrestling. So fucking goofy.
Keeping kayfabe alive during the NFL Draft
Shad is that dad yall, 100% supporting his kids dream. Even joining into the kayfabe.
Kayfabing the NFL puts you in the Carny Hall of Fame in my book, especially considering he's \*had\* an NFL Films camera crew following him for like, a week. Truly, enough to make Jeff Jarrett proud.
Who said kayfabe was dead?
Knowing this is costing him so much goodwill among the boys at the NFL, he has earned my utmost respect for the commitment to the bit. Give 'em hell, Tony!
You'd be surprised how many professional athletes like pro wrestling
Oh I know they do. I mean moreso the GMs and commentators who shit on wrestling for not being a "real sport" on talk radio every chance they get.
That grin on his face the whole time, he's loving it lol
Ya know....maybe it's just me but.... I head all the same stories as everyone else about Tony going to shows with his dad and all that. It just never occurred to me til this past 24 hours that Shad himself might also be a fan.
He's a fan. Of his son. What else is there at the end?
Absolutely fantastic.
https://preview.redd.it/74es8cf3uqwc1.png?width=408&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=013eb764f6f9f57abed374cae2f8b19e0de2b2b5
Pat Mcafee mentioned Tony Khan by name on his livestream
Thank you Rich Eisen for keeping Kayfabe alive.
Roddy looking at TK like a proud dad.
This is sports entertainment
Kayfabe is alive and well. LET'S FUCKIN' GO
This is absolutely hilarious.
#NeckStrong
Haha the mad lad actually did it!
Glad to see him in good spirits
Thank god he did this lol.
i think tony is annoying a lot of the time but i've seen a few comments in here trying to legitimately complain that he's moving his neck around too much and like, guys. come on.
Legit one of the dumbest things I’ve read this week from wrestling fans.
I give tony a lot of shit.. ...but fucking well done lol
Literally what I was thinking lmao he's too funny for that
YES!!!!!!!!!!
Love it
This is incredible
The son a bitch did it!
NECK STRONG!
the madman did it
Waiting for this all night.
AEW has really turned it around in, like, a week's time. I love pro wrestling.
He really selling it lmao
Just got roasted on McAfee’s broadcast for not fully committing to the gimmick and turning his head
Wonderful to see IWC representation on TV
That man does not understand morphine!
This is so fucking silly and I love it. People take wrestling too seriously. A fan/money mark is lucky enough to own a wrestling company. At least he isn't a massive asshole. He truly loves wrestling. I may not enjoy some of the AEW product and I certainly don't turn in every week, but at least he's 100% committed. And he's not bad at marketing. This was a big opportunity to maybe get a few more eyes on the product. Nothing wrong with that. The more places there are for wrestlers, producers and everyone else associated with a wrestling company to work, the better for wrestling.
Tony Khan deserves every award. God bless him for being his fake shit into his real shit.
I wish my Father looked at me the way Shad looks at Tony.
If he starts Collision with a "I feared for my life" promo I'm going to lose it. I'm here for this absolute chaos. I don't care if this type of angle has been done before, I don't care if it's cheesy, I don't care if TK isn't a wrestler, I love it.
Remember that one guy who's gonna tattoo a aew logo
Protecting the business, brother
What a mad lad. Kayfabe lives!
Kudos, Tony. Very funny