AEW President Tony Khan has dismissed reporting regarding the company’s television future following the intended Paramount merger with Warner Bros. Discovery.
He addressed the speculation during the media scrum following the ROH Supercard of Honor event.
Khan was responding to reporting in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter. The publication detailed alleged internal conversations within WWE. Dave Meltzer reported that WWE personnel have been speaking internally regarding AEW’s broadcast status.
High-level WWE figures reportedly expect Paramount and Skydance Media to drop All Elite Wrestling once the merger is finalized. They also have allegedly questioned whether the promotion could secure a viable media rights deal elsewhere.
The Observer noted that similar claims had circulated previously. Those rumors occurred prior to AEW securing its favorable television renewal with Warner Bros. Discovery.
Khan stated that the rumors were false and explained his decision not to retaliate:
I saw a report today that somebody in WWE is telling people within WWE, talking about AEW’s next TV deal and talking about what we’re doing.
And I was surprised by that. All I’ll say is, what they said could not be further from the truth. They are entitled to their opinions. I’ve been trying to be respectful to them and try to conduct myself as a gentleman. Then, for them to go on background and spread these things, I’ll just turn the other cheek.
Maybe a couple of years ago, I wouldn’t have done it like that.
At the time of writing, the YouTube video of the presser is no longer available. However, the relevant clip was posted to social media.
Tony Khan reacts to the reports of WWE higher-ups believing that AEW will not get a TV deal with Paramount/Skydance… TONY SAYS ALL THESE REPORTS COULD NOT BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH.
Tony says he's just trying to be respectful to them as a gentleman, but then they spread things… pic.twitter.com/I1MwGgBDZc
— Drainmaker (@TheDrainmaker) May 16, 2026
Khan himself elaborated on his mindset in a response to a fan . The user had praised his demeanor during the press conference.
Thank you very much. I didn’t take any specific new media training though. I have both gained experience over time working in wrestling and sports, and I’ve rediscovered what it means to turn the other cheek, because of reinvigorating my faith in Jesus in recent years.
— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) May 16, 2026
AEW’s current television deal with Warner Bros. Discovery runs through the end of 2027. The agreement includes an option year for 2028.
