Recently, speculation arose regarding Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) possibly holding a stake in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), especially following the announcement of a new media rights agreement between the two entities. While initial reports ignited excitement among fans and industry insiders, subsequent clarifications quickly dispelled these rumors. However, during the pre-WrestleDream media call, AEW President Tony Khan’s response hinted at a degree of ambiguity surrounding the ownership situation.
Khan stated, “I will not get into our ownership structure, but I will say that I have 100% of the voting stock in this company and have since the beginning, and hold the vast majority of shares. As the sole voting owner and the vast majority shareholder of the company, I think that speaks volumes, and I’m the controlling owner with 100% voting control of the business.” This statement suggests that although WBD may not have a direct stake in AEW, the existence of unallocated shares implies that there could be minor stakeholders without any operational influence over the company.
Despite the ownership questions, AEW and WBD are set to maintain a strong business relationship. The recent media rights deal, valued at over $170 million, ensures that AEW’s programming will continue to thrive on WBD platforms. Notably, the new agreement also frees AEW from the exclusivity clause of the previous contract, opening the door for potential partnerships with other networks. Rumors have already surfaced about the possibility of Fox acquiring AEW programming, particularly regarding the future of “Rampage” and AEW’s Friday night slots.
As both companies navigate their evolving partnership, fans can expect exciting developments in the wrestling landscape. The future remains bright for AEW, with new opportunities on the horizon, regardless of ownership stake discussions.
In conclusion, while the rumors of WBD owning a stake in AEW have been quashed, the dynamic between the two companies continues to evolve, paving the way for a promising future for professional wrestling fans. Keep an eye out for more updates as this story unfolds!
