# Tony Khan AEW management and partnership scrutiny > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/tony-khan-aew-management-and-partnership-scrutiny > Updated: 2026-09-25T18:30:50.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2. Professional wrestler Mike Bailey has offered praise for AEW President Tony Khan, stating that Khan is “extremely smart” at identifying and utilizing the specific strengths of the roster. Bailey noted that while Khan may not provide highly specific methodological instructions, his presence and encouragement provide necessary guidance for performers. As discussions regarding Khan’s management style continue, comparisons have been drawn to WWE’s Vince McMahon due to his deep involvement in business operations and frequent attendance at tapings. Despite positive internal feedback regarding talent booking, reports have emerged suggesting potential tension regarding AEW’s relationship with Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). While Khan maintains a highly optimistic public stance toward the partnership, some WBD executives have reportedly expressed private skepticism, highlighting a possible disconnect between Khan’s messaging and the evolving media landscape. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-25: Tony Khan's AEW management style and WBD relationship face scrutiny AEW founder Tony Khan is being compared to Vince McMahon for his work ethic, even as reports suggest WBD executives may be skeptical of his public optimism regarding the promotion's future. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tony-khans-aew-management-style-and-wbd-relationship-face-scrutiny ### 2026-09-21: Mike Bailey praises Tony Khan's management of AEW roster AEW wrestler Mike Bailey credited Tony Khan for his ability to leverage talent strengths and provide encouraging match feedback. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mike-bailey-praises-tony-khans-management-of-aew-roster --- Cite as: Tony Khan AEW management and partnership scrutiny. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/tony-khan-aew-management-and-partnership-scrutiny