# AEW response to Paramount and Warner Bros. merger > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/aew-response-to-paramount-and-warner-bros-merger > Updated: 2026-09-23T22:00:00.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 2. The potential merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery has introduced uncertainty regarding the future of All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Initial reports noted that while AEW President Tony Khan expressed confidence due to a personal friendship with Paramount CEO David Ellison, industry analysts viewed the merger as a “wild card.” Concerns were raised regarding the potential influence of TKO Executive Chairman Ari Emanuel, who has ties to Ellison and whose organization manages AEW’s rival, WWE. Following these developments, Tony Khan publicly voiced strong support for the merger during an episode of AEW Dynamite. Khan stated that the deal is “very close” to being finalized and predicted it would make the promotion stronger. He praised David Ellison as a “great leader” and noted that the presence of Warner Bros. executives at the event underscored the ongoing partnership between the wrestling organization and the media companies. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-23: WWE creative plans shift following successful Mexico City Raw episode WWE’s Mexico City Raw episode, featuring Roman Reigns vs. Penta, drew 3 million Netflix viewers, prompting Netflix to request more marquee matches and shifting WWE creative plans toward a potential rematch. 16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tony-khan-supports-paramount-and-warner-bros-media-merger ### 2026-09-21: AEW faces uncertainty amid Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery merger The Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery merger presents both opportunities and uncertainties for AEW, as Tony Khan navigates new corporate relationships and the promotion continues roster expansion. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/all-elite-wrestling-reportedly-signs-former-wwe-star-mara-sade --- Cite as: AEW response to Paramount and Warner Bros. merger. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/aew-response-to-paramount-and-warner-bros-merger