Tony Khan comments on reports that a new media rights deal between AEW and Warner Bros. Discovery had been agreed upon in principle.
Tony Khan enjoys his working relationship with Warner Bros. Discovery, and he has often commented on how proud he is that his promotion, All Elite Wrestling, was able to resume a great American tradition by bringing professional wrestling back to TBS and TNT.
Tony Khan is still negotiating a new media rights agreement and is exclusively speaking with WBD. He is also shooting down reports that a new agreement had been reached in principle, alleging that WWE’s PR team is responsible for getting that story out.
On the media call prior to Ring of Honor’s Death Before Dishonor pay-per-view, Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics asked Tony Khan about these rumors. Khan responded that it would be too premature to say that a deal has been agreed upon in principle but would reaffirm that talks are ongoing and positive.
"I don’t usually do this, but since Brandon brought it up and asked. I had a major member of the wrestling media mention to me yesterday, WWE is telling people that, and I don’t know why WWE is telling people about our media rights deal. I don’t know whether it’s any of their business,” said Khan. “I don’t really understand why WWE PR calls people and talks about my business. WWE PR is telling people that the deal is done and that the deal is done at the same level that it was going to be our previous deal. That’s not the case. I don’t know why WWE PR and why major wrestling media members, who are very credible and never lied to me, I don’t know why they are telling people that. It’s none of their business. I think WWE PR really gets involved in a lot of things they shouldn’t get involved in. I can tell you that is very untrue. When we make a deal for AEW, it’s going to be a great deal with a big increase over what we’ve been doing. We’re in a really good position and have been doing great business here despite what they’re trying to do to us. Thanks.”
Learn more about the ongoing communication between AEW and WBD and how Ring of Honor factors into those talks at this link.
If you use any of the above quotes, please be sure to link back to this article and give Fightful credit for the transcription.
