Tony Khan has been sounding extremely optimistic about AEW’s relationship with Paramount Skydance, but a new report suggests that optimism may be premature. A former Warner Bros. Discovery executive apparently does not expect Skydance’s new leadership to pick up AEW’s option year unless the company expands what it brings to the table.
AEW (Credits: Ringside News)
The report comes from Blake Avignon, who says a former WBD executive told him Skydance is unlikely to renew if AEW keeps “offering nothing beyond wrestling programming.” The concern, per the source, is that AEW has not diversified its content offering, and that simply delivering more of the same weekly wrestling shows may not be enough to secure a renewal.
Why Skydance Might Pass on AEW’s Option Year
“If Tony Khan expects a renewal by simply delivering more of the same, he might be in for a rude awakening,” the executive reportedly warned. The wrestling itself is not the issue, the source stressed. The problem is the lack of additional content beyond the traditional programming lineup, which the new Skydance leadership apparently values in its media partnerships.
That assessment clashes sharply with Khan’s own read of the situation. Dave Meltzer reported on October 25 that Khan had flown from Florida to Los Angeles for another round of meetings with Skydance before heading to North Carolina for Collision, and came out of those meetings happier than he had been at any point during the relationship. “He came out of the meetings extremely happy, much happier than he has been about this,” Meltzer said.
Tony Khan’s Talks With David Ellison
Khan himself confirmed at the October 17 WrestleDream post-show press conference that he had already spoken with David Ellison several times about AEW’s future and described Ellison as excited about working with the company. The direct line to Skydance’s top executive has been the centerpiece of Khan’s confidence.
Still, the former WBD executive’s warning introduces real doubt. If Skydance’s leadership expects AEW to evolve beyond weekly wrestling programming to earn its option year, Khan’s next meetings may matter more than his last ones. For now, two very different pictures of the same relationship are circulating, and only one of them can be right.
Also Read: Kyle Fletcher: We Did Not Win The AEW World Tag Team Titles Because Kevin Knight Is a Stupid Poo-Poo-Head and Ric Flair Blasts Everyone Asking How He’s Still Alive After Florida Fall
Source: Ringside News — read the full story there.
