As wrestling continues to evolve and expand its reach, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is reportedly in discussions with Warner Bros. Discovery about potentially moving its content to Max (formerly HBO Max). This possible partnership, which would allow AEW’s pay-per-view (PPV) events and other programming to stream on the platform, could mark a significant shift in the wrestling industry. Here’s what you need to know, especially if you’re more familiar with WWE.
AEW’s Rise and Current Partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery
Founded in 2019, AEW has quickly established itself as WWE’s largest competitor in the professional wrestling world. Known for its focus on in-ring storytelling and offering an alternative to WWE’s polished, entertainment-driven product, AEW has built a dedicated fanbase. Since its inception, AEW has been closely aligned with Warner Bros. Discovery, with its flagship shows airing on TNT and TBS.
While AEW has already carved out a significant presence on traditional cable networks, recent reports suggest the promotion is in negotiations with Warner Bros. Discovery for a new TV rights deal, rumored to be worth around $170 million per year. In addition to continuing its broadcasts on TNT and TBS, there’s speculation that replays could be added to TruTV, aligning with Warner Bros. Discovery’s aim to make the channel more sports-focused.
The Potential for AEW Streaming on Max
One of the most exciting prospects is the possibility of AEW’s PPV events, and possibly other exclusive content, moving to Max. Streaming would give AEW an even broader platform, allowing fans to access their favorite matches without the constraints of cable TV schedules or the need to order standalone PPVs. Though nothing has been officially confirmed, rumors suggest that streaming could start as early as 2025.
This move mirrors broader industry trends where major media companies are using their streaming services to deliver live sports and entertainment content. For AEW, this could mean expanded reach, giving fans more options to follow the promotion’s storylines and events.
WWE’s Deal with Netflix: A Competing Factor?
AEW isn’t the only wrestling promotion looking to make waves in the streaming world. WWE, the largest and most established wrestling company globally, is set to begin a new partnership with Netflix in 2025. This deal will likely include WWE content on the platform, potentially shifting how millions of fans consume WWE’s weekly shows, PPVs, and special events. WWE’s previous streaming partner, Peacock, has been home to WWE Network content since 2021, but moving to Netflix is expected to bring in a broader audience due to the platform’s global reach.
Given WWE’s move to Netflix, it’s clear that streaming services are becoming a crucial battleground for wrestling companies. AEW’s potential move to Max could be seen as part of a wider strategy to keep up with WWE’s evolving distribution model. Both companies are looking to leverage the power of on-demand viewing to appeal to both die-hard fans and casual viewers.
Cross-Promotions and Event Expansion
There are also reports that AEW is exploring new ways to cross-promote its content with other Warner Bros. Discovery properties. Some rumors suggest AEW could run matches ahead of major NFL games or in unique venues like the Las Vegas Sphere, a move that would allow AEW to tap into new audiences and create buzzworthy events. Expanding into such avenues could further solidify AEW’s place within Warner Bros. Discovery’s entertainment empire and make the promotion’s content even more accessible on Max.
Equity and Rights: A Closer Partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery?
Another aspect of the negotiations involves Warner Bros. Discovery potentially increasing its equity stake in AEW. If this happens, it could strengthen the overall partnership and provide Warner Bros. Discovery with more control over AEW’s media rights, including streaming. This would be a strategic move, ensuring that AEW’s future content is firmly tied to Warner Bros. Discovery’s platforms and brands.
Fan Excitement and Anticipation
Wrestling fans have been vocal on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), about the potential of AEW moving to Max. Many are eager to see how this shift might improve accessibility and offer more convenient ways to keep up with the promotion. If the deal goes through, AEW could see a significant boost in its visibility, following in the footsteps of WWE’s transition to streaming platforms like Peacock and soon Netflix.
A New Era for Wrestling Content?
While nothing has been confirmed yet, the potential for AEW to join Max would represent a major shift in how wrestling is consumed. As WWE prepares to move to Netflix, the rivalry between AEW and WWE might extend beyond the ring and into the streaming wars, with each promotion seeking to capture the largest audience possible. The merging of traditional TV, live events, and streaming services is quickly becoming the new norm for sports and entertainment, and wrestling is no exception.
As always, fans will need to wait for official statements from AEW and Warner Bros. Discovery to know for sure what the future holds. Until then, it’s clear that both AEW and WWE are looking to capitalize on the growing demand for streaming content, setting the stage for exciting new developments in the world of professional wrestling.
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