Eric Bischoff Warns AEW’s Future Is at Risk Without a Backup Plan for Its TV Deal

AEW may be facing a harsh reality check, and Eric Bischoff isn’t sugarcoating it. With Warner Bros Discovery potentially being acquired—and AEW’s cable ratings slipping—Bischoff says the promotion desperately needs to prepare for the worst.

During a recent discussion on his 86 Weeks podcast, Bischoff was asked what AEW should do if their deal with WBD fell through. His response didn’t leave any room for hope or hesitation:

“I would be working so desperately hard on a plan B right now. It would make people around me crazy.”

AEW’s current deal is set to expire in two years, and with media giants like Netflix, Paramount, and Comcast circling WBD—all of whom already have partnerships with WWE—the pressure is mounting. Bischoff explained why this makes AEW’s situation even more dangerous:

“Now they’re at the point where not only do you have, you know, renegotiation staring you down… you’ve got a possible acquisition of your network and you’ve got to have a plan B.”

Bischoff didn’t hold back on the state of AEW’s television performance either. Despite airing in prime time, Dynamite’s viewership has dropped to worrying levels.

“Dynamite Prime Time, you’re looking at 400, 500,000 viewers… That’s a participation trophy comment. You’re either driving revenue or you’re not.”

The deeper concern? Bischoff claims the company simply isn’t generating the kind of revenue required to justify its spot on a major cable network:

“This company’s not driving revenue… It’s not possible for them to drive enough revenue to be a return on investment for Turner Broadcasting.”

For Bischoff, this isn’t about hating on AEW—it’s about long-term viability. And unless Tony Khan has a serious backup plan in place, the promotion could be facing a hard fall when negotiations come due.

AEW has brought in legends, built a strong roster, and tried to differentiate itself from WWE. But as Bischoff points out, the ratings, network uncertainty, and lack of financial return might outweigh the effort if changes aren’t made quickly.

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