Dave Meltzer Weighs In On Whether AEW Will Be Affected By Skydance Sports Cuts

The future of AEW under Warner Bros. Discovery’s new structure has drawn attention following its merger with Paramount Skydance. The deal has raised questions about how the new company might approach its sports and entertainment programs.

Paramount Skydance completed its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery on September 30, 2026. The combined company includes TBS, TNT, HBO, and HBO Max. On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer discussed whether Skydance could cut AEW.

According to him, the promotion does not appear to be among the properties currently expected to face cuts. He asked about AEW’s status and was told the company considers professional wrestling entertainment, not sports. (via Wrestling Inc)

“I think I even asked and was told that they are considered entertainment,” Meltzer said. “But they were listed as sports in this article, and they were talking about how cuts are going to have to be made. They did not… put it this way, they had talked to people who were inside over where they expected cuts, and AEW was not on that list on where they expected cuts.”

AEW is currently in the second year of a three-year media rights agreement announced in October 2024. The current agreement is expected to expire in late 2027. AEW president Tony Khan reportedly remains “extremely happy” after a recent meeting with Skydance executives.

WBD sports is going to be looking to make some cuts… what could this mean for AEW?https://t.co/Xvj31dKdx6 pic.twitter.com/F4tqxEB15d

— Wrestling Observer (@WONF4W) October 30, 2026