Jack Perry and Tony Khan courtesy of AEW
Originally published on April 25, 2024.
The following content reflects my personal opinion and should be interpreted as such. Any views expressed here are solely mine and do not represent any official stance. This opinion piece is intended for entertainment and discussion purposes only, and should not be construed as factual information or professional advice. Reader discretion is advised.
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It’s been several hours since AEW’s Dynamite aired on TBS, and as I write this, I can’t help but wonder if the timeless trope of wrestling authority figures facing their downfall makes for compelling television. Did Tony Khan draw inspiration from Vince McMahon’s playbook?
Alright, let’s rewind the tape just a tad for some context here. Last night, they teased us with the burning question: would “Jungle Boy/Scape Goat” Jack Perry, the offspring of 90s heartthrob Luke Perry, ever grace his pretty, little face back on an AEW TV program again? Amidst the anticipation, an announcement that Khan would speak to Perry publicly and confirm whether he would make his return or not was set for later that evening. Now, let’s dive into the juicy details.
Two weeks ago, the EVPs of AEW, Matthew and Nicholas Jackson, famously known as the Young Bucks, made a bold move by airing the surveillance tape capturing the infamous scuffle (let’s call it what it was, it wasn’t a fight) between CM Punk and Perry. As I mentioned in my article “If I May Speak Candidly… CM Punk Isn’t A Bad Guy, You’re Just A Pussy,” I’m all for the drama, the shots fired between companies, the subtle digs, you name it, as long as it doesn’t jeopardize anyone’s livelihood. However, when the video aired, it left many, including numerous wrestling industry insiders and legends, scratching their heads, wondering: How will this play out when neither man in the video is currently part of the company?
Alright, let’s skip ahead to this past Sunday at AEW’s Dynasty PPV, where The Young Bucks and FTR squared off in their highly anticipated trilogy match for the AEW World Tag Team Championship. This title bout was up for grabs following the retirement of Sting and the injury sidelining Darby Allin. During the match, a mystery man comes out in a mask, Yada-Yada-Yada, and it is revealed to be indeed Jungle Boy Perry, leading to the Bucks winning the titles. So now, we have a sensible connection of why they may have aired the tape a week and a half prior; to bring Perry back on TV.
Here’s where Khan takes a page straight out of McMahon’s wrestling playbook: He promises to address Perry’s AEW status publicly, leaving fans on the edge of their seats, wondering if Perry will remain all-elite or be shipped back to Japan. Now, it might seem a bit suspicious that Tony didn’t come out with a microphone or get handed one, but whether that’s a giveaway of impending drama is up to the viewer’s interpretation. Perry did all the talking, claiming he wants nothing but the best for AEW (I’ve said that line so many times, it’s like I wrote the script myself), then seemingly embraced Khan before ultimately attacking him. The Young Bucks comes out with Kazuchika Okada, the current AEW Continental Champion, and proceeds to beat Khan up some more.
It’s a classic concept in wrestling history: seeing McMahon get stone-cold stunned, rock-bottomed, Pedigree, choke slammed, blown up in his limo, attacked in the hospital — you name it, he’s been through it all. So, it was only a matter of time before Khan faced the wrath of his wrestlers. From Eric Bischoff to Dixie Carter, and even Scott D’Amore, every authority figure has had their wrestlers turn on them in a fit of rage or complicity. Last night marked Tony’s initiation into this time-honored tradition. Welcome to the club, Tony!
If it’s not obvious that Khan took one for the team, following in the footsteps of many bosses before him, all to elevate his wrestlers, then I don’t know how else to spell it out. Whether this was part of the master plan from the start or the eleventh-hour miracle, we’ll probably never know, but what we do know is that it made for great TV and there is a lot that can be built from this moment. Let’s hope it plays out right.
Check out The Elite and Jack Perry’s message after the brutal, incomprehensible attack on Tony Khan down below:
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