The wrestling world is in a frenzy due to rumors of a potential mega-merger between Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) and Paramount Global. If these speculations are true, then this merger could possibly disrupt upcoming TV deals for WWE and AEW.
As the current broadcast partner for AEW, WBD’s potential merger with Paramount has sparked intense speculation about WWE and AEW’s future TV deals. Furthermore, rumors suggest that WWE’s RAW could find a new home on a WBD network by September 2024.
On Tuesday, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav met with Paramount Global CEO Bob Bakish to lay the groundwork for the potential groundbreaking merger.
Amidst the speculation, wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer, on Wrestling Observer Radio, stated that the potential merger won’t significantly impact the existing deals of AEW and WWE, regardless of the merger’s outcome.
He stated, “They’re in merger talks, the first stage. I don’t anticipate that whatever happens, I don’t think that this potential merger is going to affect (potential WWE or AEW TV deals) because it’s going to take time to put that together. WBD will have to make whatever decision they’re going to make prior to that ,number one, and number two, it appears, because WBD is a bigger company than Paramount when it comes to financial value. They’ll be the ones making decisions anyway, so there’s not going to be new people making the decisions. The story is of course huge like all these merger stories are, but as far as WWE and if Raw ends up on WBD or does AEW end up on WBD, I don’t think this merger will play into that story.”
If Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount join forces, they could become a big powerhouse for shows and movies. This might also mean both WWE’s RAW and AEW could be in one network.
AEW President Tony Khan opens up about negotiating with WBD
After reports surfaced about Warner Bros. Discovery discussing WWE Raw’s television rights, concerns arose about its impact on AEW.
Responding to the speculation, after the Ring of Honor Final Battle pay-per-view, AEW owner Tony Khan reassured a strong relationship with Warner Bros. Discovery. Khan highlighted AEW’s recent successes in ratings and attendance, expressing enthusiasm about the future.
Despite the ongoing discussions, Tony Khan asserted AEW’s potential for significant growth in 2024 and expressed excitement about the collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery.
It will be interesting to see if WBD renews the contract with AEW, especially if they sign a deal with WWE’s RAW.
