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AEW and Warner Bros. Discovery have officially locked down a multi-year, multi-platform media rights deal that could send shockwaves through the wrestling industry. Starting in January 2025, fans can catch AEW Dynamite and AEW Collision not just on WBD networks but also streaming on Max, making it easier than ever to keep up with all the in-ring action.
But the real buzz? Dave Meltzer from F4WOnline made a ridiculous claim saying, “AEW next year will be more profitable than the entirety of WCW’s 13 years combined, then WWF from 1990-98 combined, and WWE every year from 2011 to 2017.”
That’s a huge claim. Meltzer’s comparison of AEW to past giants like WCW and WWE shows just how fast AEW has climbed the ladder. With this deal, AEW is firmly cementing its status as a major force in the wrestling world, going head-to-head with some of wrestling’s most legendary eras.
Meltzer explained further, “With a conservative model (factoring in no new intl deals and we’ve already seen a new one yesterday) and no additional TV deals, AEW next year will be more profitable than the entirety of WCW’s 13 years combined, then WWF from 1990-98 combined, and WWE every year from 2011 to 2017.”
But not everyone is buying it—especially former WCW President Eric Bischoff. Never one to shy away from controversy, Bischoff fired back at Meltzer, calling him out in a fiery tweet.
“Cool. Share the ‘in kind’ value within the license agreement against the current profit and loss statement and projections. You absolutely would have had to be able to analyze (or, in your case, have someone explain it to you) that detail, or you couldn’t possibly make such a statement. Unless, of course, you are full of shit. Which you prove every time you make such ridiculous statements. So which is it? Have you seen detailed P&Ls and forecasts from the LLC’s accountants? Or are you just full of shit? It’s a binary choice.”
Ouch! Bischoff’s skeptical take has sparked even more debate among fans and industry insiders. While Meltzer’s bold predictions suggest AEW is on the brink of a historic financial breakthrough, Bischoff’s no-nonsense critique reminds us that nothing is guaranteed in the unpredictable world of professional wrestling.
One thing’s for sure—this new deal between AEW and Warner Bros. Discovery is a massive win for AEW, and it marks the company’s continued rise in the global wrestling scene. As AEW pushes the envelope with bigger shows, top-tier talent, and now, wider streaming access, the competition is heating up. How this blockbuster deal plays out remains to be seen, but wrestling fans everywhere are ready for the next chapter in the AEW vs. WWE rivalry.
What do you think this new deal means for AEW’s future? Will it truly eclipse the legacies of WCW and WWE’s historic profits? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
