AEW Source Points to WWE NXT as a Model for Pushing Young Talent Effectively

AEW may be thriving now, but according to someone within the company, the long-term outlook isn’t as promising—especially when it comes to developing younger talent. In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, an AEW source told Dave Meltzer that Tony Khan is so focused on the present that he’s not doing enough to build future stars.

“He’s been around four years and is no different than he was in his first match,” the AEW source revealed about a specific young wrestler. “Tony is super high on him, but when is this kid going to improve? More importantly, HOW is he going to improve averaging sub-20 matches per year? Most of which are throwaways against non-veterans.”

The bigger concern isn’t just about one wrestler—it’s about AEW’s future. The source warned that by the time some of these wrestlers are finally ready for a bigger push, fans might not see them as credible threats. “Maybe he does somehow slowly improve in another four years, then he’s been around eight years in the same spot. He’ll get the Kofi Kingston reactions. Crowd will like him but not take him seriously as a threat, even when he does fluke into the title.”

The comparison to WWE’s NXT system was also brought up, noting how developmental talent like Fraxiom is expected to work TNA matches without hesitation. “If Fraxiom can be told, ‘Hey, you guys are making NXT money—the company wants you to go work a TNA match this Thursday’—there’s no argument. No moaning. No negotiating price. They go. There’s no reason younger AEW stars should be turning down offers or bitching about having to work outside AEW.”

With a massive TV rights deal in place, AEW’s current position looks solid, but the long-term game is another story. If Khan isn’t focused on ensuring his young talent gets the necessary experience now, the company could struggle down the line when it’s time to build new main eventers.

Is Tony Khan too focused on the present and ignoring AEW’s future? Should he force younger talent to work more matches elsewhere? Let us know what you think in the comments!