15 Misconceptions About AEW You Probably Believe
13. “All Friends Wrestling”
This narrative has quietened down somewhat - the idea that AEW is plagued by nepotism - but it was never true to begin with. At least, not to an extent that detracted from the product in a significant way.
‘All Friends Wrestling’ was the accusation. It was flimsy in the extreme, not least because the members of the Elite barely protected themselves in the booking throughout those early months, much less their buddies.
Brandon Cutler and Michael Nakazawa, tight with the Young Bucks and Kenny Omega respectively, were never meant to be taken seriously. Every functional promotion needs enhancement guys, and their total lack of credibility was used as an amusing plot point throughout 2021. Jon Moxley, another top star, saw something in Marina Shafir - and unlike so many other wrestlers who claim to want to help get young talents over, he actually did it. Marina’s striking presence was rewarded with some unforgettable spots in 2025. Jake Hager probably didn’t deserve one World title shot, but that’s all he got before he was relegated in AEW’s meritocracy. Chris Jericho’s other close mate, Luther, was basically there to stand next to other people, one awful Dynamite main event aside.
Other than Jericho himself - whose impressive quarter hours actually defy the online sentiment - who has Tony Khan persisted with against all reason, purely because they’re well-connected? Other than perhaps QT Marshall?
The most recent counterargument was the unsuccessful Jack Perry big push of 2024 - but he didn’t get it because he’s mates with the Young Bucks. The Bucks have actually faded in influence, post-Brawl Out. Perry was handed big matches at All In and All Out last year for two reasons.
Firstly, he was a long-term project; you don’t trash those at the first sign of failure. Secondly, Khan was at that point still gotten-to over CM Punk’s acrimonious exit from the company. Perry’s ‘Scapegoat’ character was a symptom of an obsession that, mercifully, is over. Perry failed, and Khan eventually acknowledged that. Perry was sidelined throughout 2025. If nepotism was rife within AEW, you’d still be putting up with it now.