Now that the long-awaited merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Brothers Discovery has resulted in the creation of the all encompassing Skydance, many wrestling fans are wondering whether this will prove to be a good or bad thing for AEW. For now, at least, it appears the promotion's TV rights agreement with Skydance, carried over from the WBD days, is safe. And the reason for that, according to Dave Meltzer on last week's "Wrestling Observer Radio," is because Skydance doesn't consider AEW to be a sport, thus preventing them from being considered for cuts from Skydance's sports catalog."I think I even asked and was told that they are considered entertainment," Meltzer said. "But they were listed as sports in this article, and they were talking about how cuts are going to have to be made. They did not...put it this way, they had talked to people who were inside over where they expected cuts, and AEW was not on that list on where they expected cuts."While AEW may be safe for the time being, Meltzer was quick to note that things could change at any point somewhere down the road. The promotion is currently in year two of a three year media rights deal made in October 2024, which resulted in "AEW Dynamite" and "AEW Collision" continuing not only on TBS and TNT, but the shows being simulcast on HBO Max, as well as the AEW video library being added to the streaming service.The deal is expected to expire in late 2027, though an option in the contract would allow Skydance to extend AEW for an additional year in 2028. It is unknown whether Skydance is interested in picking up the option or if they are interested in extending AEW beyond this contract, though AEW owner Tony Khan has remained optimistic, especially after a recent meeting with Skydance higher ups.If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit "Wrestling Observer Radio" and provide a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription
