AEW Tried to Buy TNA Before WWE Locked in Their Partnership

AEW had a chance to take over TNA—but it never happened. As WWE’s groundbreaking partnership with TNA Wrestling continues to shake up the industry, new reports have surfaced revealing that AEW previously attempted to buy TNA.

According to Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, AEW owner Tony Khan was approached about purchasing the promotion back in 2018, and discussions resurfaced just last year. “TNA did attempt to sell to Tony Khan in 2018 and had talks about a year ago with Scott D’Amore about selling but turned D’Amore’s offer price down,” Meltzer reported.

D’Amore, who was recently ousted from his role as TNA President, also tried to buy the company himself after learning of his departure. However, his offer was rejected as TNA’s ownership opted to go in a different direction—one that ultimately led to a multi-year partnership with WWE instead.

This revelation raises even more questions about AEW’s long-term strategy. At one point, AEW and TNA had a working relationship, with Kenny Omega, Christian Cage, and others appearing on Impact Wrestling, while AEW even had TNA talent show up on Dynamite. Tony Khan even made his presence felt through pre-taped promos, making it seem like the two sides had a promising future together.

Now, WWE has stepped in, and instead of AEW pulling TNA into their orbit, it’s WWE that has secured an exclusive deal. With AEW’s biggest competitor aligning with TNA, it leaves the question—did Tony Khan miss out on a major opportunity? Could AEW have been in WWE’s current position had they moved forward with the purchase?

UPDATE: Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful took to X and flat-out denied the rumor, writing: “AEW never tried to buy TNA.”