The future of AEW is under scrutiny following the recent merger between Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Skydance. This merger has raised questions about how the new company will handle its sports and entertainment programming. Paramount Skydance completed its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery on September 30, and the combined entity includes networks such as TBS, TNT, HBO, and HBO Max.
On the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer discussed the possibility of Skydance cutting AEW from its lineup. Meltzer mentioned that he inquired about this issue and was informed that AEW is considered part of entertainment, although it was listed under sports. He noted that discussions were ongoing about potential cuts, but AEW was not mentioned as a target for reductions.
Currently, AEW is in the second year of a three-year media rights agreement, announced in October 2024, which is expected to expire in late 2027. Reports indicate that AEW president Tony Khan is “extremely happy” following a recent meeting with executives from Skydance.
