Tony Khan On Finalization Of WBD Merger With Paramount: AEW Will Become 'Stronger'

Earlier this month, Paramount and Warner Brothers officially merged and became Skydance. Tony Khan had expected the deal to go through and has spoken about his excitement for the deal and praised Skydance CEO, David Ellison. AEW's current media rights deal will keep them on TBS and TNT through at least 2028. When the merger happened, Khan commented on his first day working for Skydance.

During last week's WrestleDream media call, Khan expanded on his thoughts about AEW's future under Skydance. He expressed his excitement following conversations he's had with people at the company. He can't speak to any changes that might occur with how TV and streaming are delivered, but still has relationships with people who are still there under new leadership. He is also meeting and getting to know new people in Skydance.

"I think AEW is going to become a stronger company," Khan said.

In conversations with Ellison, Khan says Ellison is "very positive and excited about AEW." He's spent a lot of time with Ellison through the NFL, NFL Films, and throughout the merger process. 

"I was very adamant that this was the best path for AEW and the best path for the company. There's a number of reasons I felt that way, but he was the one with a vision for it. He believes in AEW. I think he's a great TV and film leader and I think he was the only buyer interested in and excited about and has kept TNT, TBS, and HBO MAX under the same roof. And to have the networks and the streaming still together — now even stronger with Paramount — this is by far the best scenario and I'm glad that TNT, TBS, and HBO MAX are still together under the same strong leadership we've had," Khan explained. 

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit AEW Media Call and provide a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.