Tony Khan is taking an optimistic approach toward AEW’s role under the pending ownership of Paramount Skydance as it seeks to finalize its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.
The seismic purchase by the David Ellision-led group is guaranteed to alter the media landscape and bring all of WBD’s assets under the Paramount umbrella, if approved. AEW’s most recent media rights deal was announced in October 2024 for a reported average annual value of $185 million through the end of 2027 with an option for an additional year.
“I think the world of David Ellison and admire him very much”, noted the AEW president on Thursday’s AEW Reevolution media call, and cited the “technological expertise” of the Ellison family. Larry Ellison, the father of David, is the co-founder of software giant Oracle and owns a percentage of TikTok’s operations in the U.S.
Reporter Dave Meltzer quizzed Khan on his ability to thrive under the new ownership, which has a massive $7.7 billion commitment to the UFC. Khan responded that he had a “great relationship” with CEO Dana White and the chief business officer, Hunter Campbell. Khan acknowledged the obvious competitive situation with the TKO-owned WWE but noted that he would “love” to be on the same channel as the UFC.
Khan continued his praise of WBD head David Zaslav, who orchestrated the sale, and credited Zaslav with AEW’s programming expansion with Collision in 2023, simulcasting the shows on HBO Max, and making its pay-per-views available to purchase on the streamer.
This week’s introduction of MyAEW is not aimed at being a domestic play or a response to the pending sale, but geared toward its international audience, where the pay-per-views will be available. SI’s Jon Alba asked about the notion that U.S. subscribers of MyAEW could eventually purchase the shows like they can on Triller, PPV.com, and HBO Max. Khan was careful to say that MyAEW has “nothing to do with AEW’s relationship with WBD” and has a “great relationship” with Paramount through the NFL ties.
Khan’s “glass half full” approach included his optimism that, for the first time, AEW will be part of a network with broadcast rights to the NFL due to the CBS component that Paramount brings. He called the idea of AEW being under the same sports umbrella as the NFL “very exciting”.
The UFC has just seen firsthand the power of the broadcaster with its UFC 326 presentation, averaging over 2.4 million viewers this past Saturday over a two-hour window and doing incredible figures among males. It has already been announced that a return to CBS next month for a two-hour window on April 11 for UFC 327.
Other notes from the media call:
- Sam Shipman asked about Brody King and the reaction at shows recently. Khan noted King’s “strong personal views” that come through and have received a lot of attention. He places the focus on the sport, and it’s good for talent to express individual views, and King has support all over the world
- Brian Zilem of PW Torch asks about balancing the length of matches and pacing the show. Khan thinks this show will be excellent and puts over Crypto.com Arena being “one of the best arenas in sports”. They have so many great rivalries on TV and have led their positive reputation on pay-per-view, which has been earned by the wrestlers. The fans love the matches, and they have a lot of smart wrestling fans. He ended by noting they are coming off a successful “award season,” referencing SI, ESPN, Yahoo, and Fightful among the outlets to acknowledge them.
- Adam Bernard asked about Samoa Joe and Fightful’s report that the performer is in concussion protocol. Khan says he is out injured and one of the greatest champions in pro wrestling history, he is “recovering from injuries” (did not specify it was a concussion), and optimistic he will be back soon.
- Bill Bodkin from The Pop Break asks about the ROH tapings in Jacksonville and finding a TV home. Khan said, they have a great audience and revenue coming through Honor Club, is looking out for media deals “that make sense,” and mentioning the changes in the media landscape. He expects a “thrilling future for WBD” and is happy to be working with them for a long time to come, and excited for ROH to take this next step with the Jacksonville location for tapings
