Backstage Update on AEW’s Reaction to Paramount Acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery

As noted previously, Paramount emerged victorious in its bidding war with streaming giant Netflix over the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). Netflix backed out after Paramount came up with a new offer of $31 per share.

The $110 billion merger deal is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory clearances and approval from Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders. Had Netflix acquired WBD, which happens to be AEW’s broadcast partner, the company’s TV rights deal would have gone to Discovery Local Networks, while Netflix would have acquired its streaming rights. With Paramount set to acquire WBD, the Tony Khan-led promotion’s deal will remain firmly under their umbrella.

Earlier today, Mike Johnson of PWInsider provided an update on AEW’s internal reaction to Paramount winning the bid. Johnson cited sources who claimed that there is no “doom and gloom” over WBD’s merger with Paramount. The report further claims that AEW would be looking forward to working with Paramount.