WWE is apparently already talking internally about the possibility of AEW struggling to land another major media rights deal once its current agreement expires at the end of 2027.
According to Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, multiple people inside WWE have been discussing uncertainty surrounding AEW’s future once the Paramount/Skydance merger situation fully plays out.
One person within WWE admitted nobody actually knows yet who will ultimately make the decisions regarding AEW programming once the merger is finalized — or even when that process will fully happen.
At the same time, Meltzer noted that another WWE source claimed there has already been internal talk spreading throughout the company suggesting AEW may not remain part of the future Paramount/Skydance plans.
“But another person in WWE noted to us this week that they have definitely spread word in the company among some if not many that AEW won’t be on Paramount/Skydance and question if they can get a viable deal elsewhere.”
The report also stated that some people at high levels inside WWE are speaking as if AEW potentially not getting another major deal is already becoming an expectation internally.
“One person there noted that people at the highest levels are talking like AEW won’t get another deal.”
However, Meltzer also pointed out that similar rumors were heavily pushed during AEW’s last media rights negotiations before the company ultimately secured a massive increase on its previous deal.
WWE sources also understand that there is still enormous uncertainty around the entire situation because nobody truly knows how Paramount/Skydance will view AEW long-term once the merger becomes official.
Meltzer additionally noted that AEW still brings strong ratings value to TBS, performs well in important demographics, generates pay-per-view revenue, and remains significantly cheaper than UFC from a media rights standpoint.
He also suggested there are multiple possible scenarios still in play, including Paramount/Skydance potentially moving AEW pay-per-views onto its future streaming platforms similarly to how UFC content has been handled.
At this point, though, it sounds like WWE is already pushing the narrative internally that AEW’s long-term television future could become a major issue after 2027 — even if nobody actually knows yet how the situation will ultimately play out.
Do you think AEW will land another major media rights deal after 2027? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
