On the September 17, 2025, episode of AEW Dynamite: September to Remember, several WWE legends were prominently referenced, signaling a fascinating nod to pro wrestling’s broader history amid AEW’s ongoing rise. Meanwhile, AEW President Tony Khan is reportedly under fire backstage for his reaction to the Dynamite crowd and controversial business decisions affecting the independent wrestling circuit, according to sources close to the scene.

WWE Superstars Name-Dropped During AEW September to Remember

In one of the show’s highlights, FTR’s Dax Harwood delivered a pointed promo before their highly anticipated AEW All Out 2025 match against Adam Copeland and Christian Cage. Harwood resurrected memories of iconic WWE tag teams from the past, referencing names like Enzo & Cass, American Alpha, and DIY, celebrating the storied rivalries they have had with many competitors from WWE’s NXT brand during their tenure there as The Revival[2].

The segment also acknowledged current AEW stalwarts such as The Young Bucks, Bullet Club Gold, and The Outrunners, as FTR cemented themselves as one of the top tag teams in wrestling history. This homage to WWE’s tag team legacy was more than a throwback — it drew clear respect toward the industry’s past while setting the stage for what could be one of the biggest tag matches in AEW history this weekend at All Out[2][5].

Additionally, commentary throughout the broadcast by AEW personnel casually referenced several WWE names, fueling speculation about a blurring of brand lines when it comes to wrestling storytelling and talent history recognition[1].

Big Match Announcement: Toronto Street Fight Added for AEW All Out

In a strategic boost to All Out 2025, AEW added a Toronto Street Fight stipulation to the Adam Copeland and Christian Cage vs. FTR tag bout, elevating the stakes of this dream match. Held in Copeland and Cage’s hometown, the added brutal stipulation promises a no-holds-barred brawl that AEW fans will likely remember for years. This match headline position underlines AEW’s willingness to spotlight former WWE stars who now thrive in this new wrestling landscape[5].

Tony Khan’s Controversial Stance on Crowd Reaction and Indie Wrestling

While AEW celebrated big moments on-air, behind the scenes, Tony Khan reportedly faced criticism for his views on the crowd’s reaction at Dynamite and his company’s impact on the indie wrestling scene.

Sources close to AEW and reports from Fightful detail that Khan was unhappy with the Dynamite audience size and atmosphere on the September 17 show. According to insiders, Khan expressed disappointment because he expected a more electrifying crowd, highlighting tension between AEW’s leadership and its fanbase engagement[4].

Even more seriously, allegations have surfaced accusing Khan of deliberately pulling AEW talent from independent wrestling promotions’ scheduled events, such as The Outrunners’ removal from a September 28 ECC Wrestling show. This move reportedly devastated the independent promoter’s ability to run the show, negatively affecting not only the promotion but also the wrestlers involved[4].

A Facebook statement from ECC Wrestling’s Brandon lamented AEW’s classification of their wrestlers as independent contractors while simultaneously restricting their outside appearances, accusing Khan of “ruining ROH” and holding down talent financially to “just get his way.” Brandon further apologized to fans who anticipated their matches, indicating AEW’s influence is perceived to be increasingly monopolistic within the wrestling world[4].

AEW and WWE: Bridging Eras Amid Industry Tensions

The references to WWE superstars on AEW Dynamite and the debate over Tony Khan’s backstage decisions highlight a complex dynamic in pro wrestling today: both companies shape the industry’s current landscape, but their relationship—whether competitive or collaborative—carries tension.

AEW has openly acknowledged WWE’s legacy while building its own identity. Referencing WWE stars such as Christian Cage (who notably had major runs in WWE) alongside AEW originals underscores this interplay. At the same time, AEW’s corporate decisions, driven by Khan’s vision, continue to stir controversy in wrestling circles, particularly regarding talent’s freedom and the survival of independent promotions[1][2][4].

Insider Perspectives and Industry Reaction

According to a WWE insider familiar with the situation, “The nods to WWE talent on AEW broadcasts show respect, but they also blur lines that fans thought were clear. AEW is smart to capitalize on wrestling history while establishing its own brand.” Conversely, a source close to Tony Khan says, “Khan is keenly focused on AEW’s growth, sometimes at the expense of indie relations. It’s a balancing act between business and community priorities, and not everyone is happy.”

Fightful’s reports emphasize that the backstage mood is uneasy, fueled by fan expectations, criticism over talent management, and Khan’s perceived micromanagement of both the AEW roster and broader wrestling landscape[4].

Looking Forward: AEW All Out 2025 and Wrestling’s Evolving Story

With AEW All Out just days away, the stage is set for major matches that blend wrestling’s past and present. The added stipulation for Copeland and Cage vs. FTR signals AEW’s intent to deliver historic, gritty contests. Meanwhile, the ongoing whispers about Tony Khan’s backstage strategies and crowd relations could foreshadow further tensions or shifts in AEW’s operating style.

Whether AEW’s nods to WWE stars become regular or remain special highlights, the wrestling world watches eagerly as the two organizations navigate an ever-evolving, sometimes fraught relationship.

Stay tuned for in-depth coverage of AEW All Out 2025 and more updates on the backstage dynamics shaping pro wrestling today.

This article is based on information from Wrestling Headlines, Fightful, Sportskeeda, WrestleTalk, and multiple wrestling news insiders.