WWE Trying To Shut Down AEW Before End Of Current TV Deal With WBD

WWE has been quietly stepping up their efforts to go head-to-head with All Elite Wrestling — and according to a new report, the goal isn’t just competition, it’s elimination.

Throughout 2025, WWE has counter-programmed several of AEW’s major pay-per-views with NXT premium live events, but the strategy appears to be intensifying. Multiple outlets have reported that an as-yet-unannounced WWE event, headlined by Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena, is scheduled for the exact same day as AEW All Out on September 20. On top of that, WWE is considering shifting John Cena’s final match so it directly clashes with AEW Worlds End.

Dave Meltzer reported on Wrestling Observer Radio that WWE’s aggressive counter-programming is part of a much bigger plan — one that could completely reshape the wrestling industry if it succeeds.

According to Meltzer, WWE’s concern is tied to AEW’s long-term TV future with Warner Bros. Discovery. AEW’s current U.S. media rights deal runs through the end of 2027 and is worth $555 million, with an option for a fourth year that would bring in an even bigger payday. WWE is reportedly worried that a renewal at a higher rate would make AEW “incredibly profitable.” Before going into the details, Meltzer explained that WWE even considered moving a December event to get directly in AEW’s way.

“That is certainly the story that’s going around that they wanted to move from December 13th to December 27th. Given all the actions and everything that has been done, of course they want to. It isn’t the only thing, there is so much going on that will probably be breaking in the next couple of months when it comes to different things. They really want TNA to become the other promotion because they can control TNA,” Meltzer said.

He then laid out the bigger picture behind WWE’s motivations.

“This is a major full-court press. They just want this guy [Tony Khan] out of the box and they know if the numbers stay good that he’s gonna get a renewal at a much bigger number, just like they did. He’s already very profitable, the number will make him incredibly profitable, and they’ll never get away from him or anything like that. So they feel that they need to make sure this is the last contract.”

If WWE’s strategy works, AEW could be forced into a significantly weaker position by the end of their current deal — leaving TNA as the clear number two promotion under WWE’s shadow.

This level of direct targeting between the two companies shows just how high the stakes have become in the wrestling industry. The next few years could determine whether AEW cements itself as a lasting powerhouse or finds itself fighting for survival.