Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is increasingly likely to be acquired by another company, with Paramount, Netflix, and Comcast all competing for the deal. This situation has sparked speculation among some pro wrestling fans regarding AEW’s future, given that all three potential buyers have affiliations with WWE or its parent company, TKO.
When asked about WBD’s possible acquisition during the AEW Full Gear media call, Tony Khan appeared unconcerned. However, wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer shared his perspective on the latest ‘Wrestling Observer Radio,’ suggesting significant changes might be on the horizon for AEW, though it’s still too early to tell.
Meltzer noted, "There are many unanswered questions right now. Streaming numbers are one key factor, though we don’t have exact weekly data, we have a reasonable idea of where it’s headed."
While some fans argue that AEW’s streaming figures on WBD platforms are weak, Meltzer disagrees, believing that AEW is actually attracting valuable subscribers to HBO Max due to its lucrative media rights deal.
He added, "If AEW weren’t important, WBD wouldn’t have launched this pay-per-view division because then it would be viewed as a failure, which they don’t see."
Meltzer estimates that AEW’s audience is roughly split equally between streaming and traditional cable, though cable viewership is expected to decline as streaming grows more prominent throughout the year. If AEW’s streaming numbers are as strong as Meltzer believes, the company should have considerable leverage in future negotiations. Regardless, AEW will remain on HBO Max under its current contract with WBD through the end of 2027.
If quoting, please credit “Wrestling Observer Radio” and provide a hat tip to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
Fan Take: This update is crucial for AEW followers because it highlights the company’s growing influence and value in the shifting media landscape. How streaming performance shapes AEW’s future deals could significantly impact its growth and the broader wrestling industry’s direction.
