Netflix Buys Warner Bros: What It Really Means for AEW and WWE Broadcasting
Netflix buying Warner Bros Discovery represents the biggest media consolidation in decades, and the wrestling world immediately panicked about AEW’s future. But is the sky really falling?
With WWE secured on Netflix through 2035 and AEW currently on Warner Bros’ TBS, TNT, and HBO Max, the proposed deal splits AEW’s distribution between Netflix (streaming) and Discovery Global (linear cable). The internet declared AEW finished. Dave Simon from Wrestling Uncensored pushed back hard.
The reality: AEW has a guaranteed contract through 2027, Netflix could easily afford both wrestling companies, and Canadian broadcast rights remain completely stable. The three-year, $555 million AEW deal costs a fraction of WWE’s $5 billion Netflix contract. Multiple streaming platforms could accommodate AEW when rights expire in 2028. Panic is premature.