Latest Backstage Update On AEW – Paramount Rumors Being Discussed Within WWE

Discussion about AEW’s future media rights situation has reportedly begun surfacing within WWE circles, but Dave Meltzer has remained skeptical of the rumors’ authenticity. AEW has almost a year and a half left on its current media deal.

AEW currently airs programming across networks connected to Warner Bros. Discovery, including Dynamite and Collision. Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Meltzer addressed reports that some people within WWE have been discussing the possibility that AEW could face issues securing its next television deal. According to him, WWE’s higher-ups told people they did not expect Paramount to continue with AEW, assuming their merger with Warner Bros. Discovery is completed.

However, Meltzer noted that AEW still has roughly a year and a half left on its current media rights agreement. He also noted that the proposed merger involving Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery has not officially closed. Because of that timing, Meltzer questioned how much weight should be placed on the speculation currently making the rounds.

Meltzer recalled that similar narratives began circulating during AEW’s launch period in 2019, including claims that Tony Khan had purchased tickets and distributed them for free during the company’s first week of television (via Wrestling Inc).

“I don’t know how great there is, but there’s certainly talk among people there [in WWE] that ‘They’re [AEW] not going to get the deal, and you can’t…don’t bank on going there because they’re…whatever,'” Meltzer said. “Which is the usual bulls**t. It started with week one, literally week one, when the talent in WWE was being told that ‘Tony bought all the tickets and distributed them for free.’ Week one. You remember those stories, Tony bought all the tickets. So that’s how it starts.”

He also referenced previous examples of internal WWE messaging about AEW that later proved inaccurate or exaggerated. Meltzer continued, “And then it’s that way all the time, that whole thing of ‘They’re going to die. They’re going to die. They’re going to die.’ It’s telling people ‘Don’t leave. Don’t leave because if you’re here, we’re going to be here forever.” He added, “And if you leave…’ you know again, I get people from there going ‘Do you think Tony’s going to be around in a couple of years?’ And I go ‘Yeah.’ Do I know that they’re going to get renewed? No. Do I think that the company is going to be around? Yeah. Yeah, they’re going to be around.”

Meltzer had made it clear he does not know what AEW’s eventual media rights outcome will be. AEW’s current media rights deal with WBD runs through 2027, with an option for a fourth year.