AEW’s Creative Direction: Bully Ray Calls for Tony Khan to Follow Paul Heyman’s Blueprint

One Big Thing

WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray criticized AEW’s reliance on former WWE talent, urging Tony Khan to follow Paul Heyman’s ECW model of elevating homegrown stars.

Why It Matters

This debate highlights a crucial challenge for AEW: balancing star power from established names while developing its own talent roster.

Key Details

• Ray specifically questioned the logic of having Adam Copeland (former WWE star) defending AEW against Jon Moxley (another former WWE star)
• He praised Paul Heyman’s ECW method of using veterans to elevate new talent
• The comments came during a “Busted Open” discussion about AEW’s Worlds End event

By The Numbers

• Ray identified only three stars fans cared about at Worlds End:
  • Will Ospreay
  • Adam Copeland
  • Kris Statlander

Direct Quote

“Nobody in this industry was better than taking veteran talent to use to get the homegrown talent over than Paul Heyman,” – Bully Ray on Busted Open

What’s Next

Fight for the Fallen (January 1, 2025) will feature:

• Adam Copeland and FTR vs. Death Riders (Jon Moxley, Wheeler Yuta, and Claudio Castagnoli)

The Bottom Line

AEW faces a critical challenge in establishing its identity through homegrown talent while managing its roster of established stars.

What do you think about AEW’s balance between veteran and homegrown talent? Share your thoughts in the comments below.