Tony Khan Responds To WWE Spreading Rumors Regarding Doubts Over AEW’s Next TV Deal

AEW boss Tony Khan is not happy with WWE reportedly spreading rumors about AEW’s television future. As previously reported, rumors appear to be spreading in WWE that people within the company doubt AEW won’t be able to get another viable TV deal once its current broadcast deal with Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) expires.

This is due to WBD’s currently ongoing merger with Paramount Skydance, as Paramount is already in bed with WWE parent company TKO for UFC programming, and rumors of Paramount likely not picking up AEW for a new TV deal at the end of its current one. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter also reported that one anonymous individual in WWE said people at the highest levels of the company are speaking like AEW won’t be able to get another TV deal once the current deal with WBD ends.

Khan spoke at length on the matter during the ROH Supercard of Honor post-show media scrum last night. Responding to the rumor, Tony Khan commented (via F4WOnline.com), “I saw a report today saying 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, and I’ll say what they said could not be further from the truth, and they’re entitled to their opinions.”

He continued, “I’ve been trying to be respectful to them and try to conduct myself as a gentleman, and then for them to go on background and spread these things…I’ll just turn the other cheek, and maybe a couple of years ago I wouldn’t have done it like that.”

Is WWE Bringing Out the Less Diplomatic Side of Tony Khan Again?

In recent times, Tony Khan has been taking a more diplomatic approach to dealing with WWE than he has previously. As an example, during the post-show press conference for AEW All Out 2022, which also coincidentally took place the same night as CM Punk’s infamous backstage incident with Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks, Khan infamously complained about the event taking place the same weekend as WWE Clash at the Castle and NXT Worlds Collide.

Khan said during the press conference several years ago, “When I compared myself to Jim Crockett Promotions this weekend, I think I got a taste of the same medicine Jim Crockett Promotions took, but I have a lot more ****ing money than Jim Crockett did. I’m serious. I’m not gonna sit back and take this ****ing ****.”

AEW’s current broadcast deal with WBD runs through 2027, with the deal having a reported option for a fourth year in 2028. WBD’s merger with Paramount is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approval.

Ultimately, the television and broadcast future of AEW post-WBD and Paramount merger remains to be seen.