How AEW's Creative Process REALLY Works

Chris Jericho on the middle man running between Tony Khan & the AEW roster.

Chris Jericho
AEW

Chris Jericho reveals that QT Marshall plays an important role in the AEW creative process, particularly when it comes to helping piece shows together.

Speaking on Konnan's Keepin' it 100 podcast, Jericho said that Marshall is responsible for compiling the week's ideas together, formatting them, and presenting them to company president Tony Khan.

"Tony will say it's always about the opening quarter, the crossover quarter, and the final quarter," Jericho said, referring to television ratings. "So I think Tony decides where he wants that, and QT shakes up the rest. Tony then says, 'Oh, this is good,' or, 'We need a package here,' so it's a weekly kind of collaborative process for sure."

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The same conversation saw Jericho claim that AEW are "very proud" of not having a team of writers.

Creative freedom is believed to be higher in AEW than WWE, though it is understood that Khan has the final say on everything that makes it to television.

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Marshall plays multiple roles in AEW. Part of the Natural Nightmares tag team with Dustin Rhodes on television, he also operates the company's Nightmare Factory training school, as well as assisting him with production, surely making him one of AEW's busiest employees.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.