10 Genius Ways Tony Khan Can Get The AEW Magic Back

The AEW Women's division is the best it's ever been: measure of (slightly) more committed creative, or grim indictment?

The explosive powerhouse Jamie Hayter is a star on the rise and is actually over with audiences. She also has a clear direction leading up to at least Revolution 2023. Toni Storm has done a superb job as Interim fighting champion; her matches (mostly) feel important and are professionally worked and beautifully snug. There's a lot wrong with the Britt Baker Vs. Saraya feud, primarily in that they are turning their expensive new babyface acquisition heel - astonishing, given how she has arrived at this point - but it feels big and real. That is a major sign of progress. The fandom is very engaged in a women's division storyline.

The TBS title scene is less than ideal, but still: it's better than it was. It could be better still.

Kenny Omega's signature early booking idea was a winner because it manifested AEW's value system in such a striking way. Using joshi talent was a bold means of introducing eye-catching talent. It really was akin to the WCW Cruiserweight division - not so much in quality or influence, obviously, but in how the wrestlers (Yuka Sakazaki chief among them) delighted fans with a new approach. Her entire act was a Holy Sh*t moment stretched out across however many minutes: how can somebody who looks like that summon such fire and viciousness?

Scheduling conflicts put paid to this initiative, but at the very least, more of those talents - who remain beloved in cult circles - should appear in open challenges. Storm Vs. Japan or Hayer Vs. Japan is a great, quintessentially AEW idea.

Or, failing that, Riho - very popular and talented ratings draw who is now inexplicably under-utilised - was a beloved early staple of AEW programming.

Khan could simply replicate something that didn't even get stale and have her dethrone Jade Cargill in a spiritual sequel to her awesome programme with Nyla Rose.