Dave Meltzer Thinks Tony Khan Is Much Happier That Paramount Is Acquiring WBD Instead of Netflix

Previously, AEW President Tony Khan has expressed excitement for the upcoming merger of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) and Paramount Skydance, and there are specific reasons for that. Dave Meltzer provided more insight on the matter during today’s edition of Wrestling Observer Radio.

Meltzer speculated that there was concern from Khan and AEW over what would have happened had Netflix acquired WBD, as Netflix is one of WWE’s main promotional partners, streaming Raw in the U.S. and weekly shows and premium live events internationally. Meltzer stated on Tony Khan, “He is a lot happier that the WBD deal went the way it was. I think that there absolutely was concern for a bunch of reasons about whether Netflix got it.”

Meltzer explained the concern in AEW came from Netflix keeping HBO Max, but not acquiring WBD’s linear television networks, which broadcast AEW Dynamite and Collision weekly on TBS and TNT. Meltzer added, “Netflix was going to keep HBO Max different, so it wasn’t like they’d have to go on Netflix on the same streaming service as WWE, but it would still be a company that has business with WWE and not necessarily a wrestling fan heading the company, and then also you got the because the TV stations would be separate.”

Meltzer added on Tony Khan, “I would go so far as to say when it comes to the Paramount deal, he can’t wait.”

As noted, Paramount’s acquisition of WBD was approved by the Justice Department earlier this month. However, it should be noted that the deal must also win approval from the FCC, the European Union, and others. Also, other state governments are preparing a lawsuit to block the merger, including California.

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit The Wrestling Observer Radio with an h/t to 411mania.com for the transcription.