Oh, buckle up, wrestling fans! We’ve got some backstage drama heating up in the world of All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Tony Khan, the man with the master plan for AEW, is feeling a bit like a wrestler who just got hit with a steel chair. Why? Well, AEW is currently arm-wrestling Warner Bros. Discovery over their media rights deal that’s set to expire by the end of 2024.
In recent chats with Sports Illustrated, Tony Khan was all positive vibes, shouting from the rooftops that AEW and Warner Bros. Discovery are like two wrestlers in the ring putting on a great show. But hold your popcorn – not all is smooth sailing in this tag team match-up.
The cliffhanger? Both sides are glaring at each other from across an exclusive negotiating window that’s slamming shut in July. It’s like watching two wrestlers stare each other down before the fight officially starts. While big shots like WBD CEO David Zaslav and TNT Sports head Luis Silberwasser are eager to keep AEW on their channels, Tony Khan seems more frowny face than champion belt about the current offer on the table.
But here’s where it gets juicier than a storyline twist – if WBD loses AEW, it could be as devastating as getting pinned to the mat for Zaslav. With rumors of losing out on a TV deal with the NBA floating around and potential rivals eyeing AEW, it’s a high-stakes brawl behind closed doors.
Adding fuel to this fiery feud is talk about Max streaming service wanting a piece of AEW action. Picture this: your favorite wrestling Pay-Per-View events potentially hitting your screen through Max – now that’s high-octane excitement!
For those keeping track of their wrestling calendar (or DVR), Dynamite on Wednesdays, Rampage on Fridays, and Collision on Saturdays might need to find new homes if this tussle plays out in unexpected ways.
Will Tony Khan deliver a knockout deal or will Warner Bros. Discovery pin him down? Grab your popcorn; it’s going to be one heck of a show!