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WWE veteran Dutch Mantell believes that AEW President Tony Khan has lost direction with the gimmick of a popular star in the company. The star had been on the roster for months now.
The major star in question is Kazuchika Okada. Okada made his debut on AEW TV as a full-time member of the roster during an episode of Dynamite in March 2024. The NJPW legend surprised everyone by being introduced as a heel as he joined forces with The Young Bucks to form The New Elite.
The AEW Continental Champion has garnered praise from fans for his comical gimmick. However, veteran WWE manager Dutch Mantell has claimed that Okada is getting babyface reactions despite being in a heel faction.
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Speaking on his Story Time podcast, Mantell stated that Tony Khan lost direction with Okada's heel character.
"The Bucks are supposed to be heels, right? Kazuchika Okada, people are laughing; they are enjoying him. So, he is really a babyface; doesn't that kind of defeat the purpose? I mean, he said, 'Oh God, Oh!' and covered his hands up. I don't know if anybody has seen this or not, but it's kind of comical to see a Japanese guy doing it anyway, and I don't know; I think they've lost their direction on that one already," he said. [0:59-1:35]
Tony Khan has booked a potential-filled Dynamite this Wednesday
Following record-low ratings for Dynamite last week, Tony Khan is hoping to bounce back, as he has lined up a stacked card for the upcoming episode of Wednesday Night Dynamite. Former AEW World Champion MJF is set to appear on the show in Buffalo. Furthermore, reigning World Champion Swerve Strickland will team up with Will Ospreay to take on the Gates of Agony.
Moreover, Jay White and Rey Fenix will collide in the quarterfinal of the ongoing Owen Hart Foundation Tournament. It will be interesting to see how the show pans out this week.
Please credit "Story Time with Dutch Mantell" in case you use the quotes from the first half and give an H/T to 'Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.
