More has emerged regarding the new deal between AEW and WBD.
On October 2, it was officially announced that All Elite Wrestling and Warner Bros. Discovery had extended their partnership, coming together on a new multi-year deal. Originally, it was reported by Variety that the deal was believed to be worth around $150 million a year, but now it appears as if the financial side of the agreement could be even larger than first thought.
Per Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it’s believed that the deal totals $555 million for AEW over the course of three-years, breaking down as $180 million in 2025, $185 million in 2026 and $190 million in 2027. It’s noted that WBD has an optional fourth year at a significantly higher amount.
“Sources close to the negotiations said this was a three-year deal at which will total $555 million. This is broken down as $180 million in 2025, $185 million in 2026 and $190 million in 2027. WBD has an option year built in for all of 2028 at a significantly higher number.”
-Dave Meltzer
It had been rumoured prior to the deal being announced that the agreement would include a new show called ‘AEW Shockwave’. On this, Meltzer notes that, should this happen, it is likely to either fall on a Tuesday or Thursday.
“We’ve confirmed talks with FOX and that Tuesday and Thursday are the dates most likely if such a deal is finalized.”
-Dave Meltzer
As of now, there has been no official word on the launch of AEW Shockwave, but it appears as if AEW would be keen to avoid nights already occupied by WWE if they were to add another show to their lineup.
As always, we’ll aim to provide any further updates on AEW’s new deal with Warner Bros. Discovery as soon as we hear more.
