In the ongoing saga of broadcast negotiations between Warner Bros and wrestling juggernauts WWE and AEW, recent developments have added another layer of complexity to the already intricate situation.

Over the past few weeks, talks between Warner Bros’ Discovery arm and WWE have sparked considerable speculation. The possibility of Warner Bros carrying WWE’s flagship program, Monday Night Raw, has emerged, potentially leading to the exclusion of AEW content from their network lineup.

Adding fuel to the fire, reports from SEScoops suggest discussions between WWE and Paramount Global regarding a potential merger. The recent meeting between WWE CEO David Zaslav and Paramount CEO Bob Bakish in New York City hints at significant shifts in the media landscape. Notably, Zaslav’s discussions with Sherie Redstone, owner of National Amusement Inc., underscore the gravity of these negotiations.

While Warner Bros Discovery holds a valuation of around $29 billion, Paramount Global faces financial challenges with a valuation just over $10 billion and significant debt. Despite these complexities, industry expert Dave Meltzer suggests that the merger talks are unlikely to directly impact ongoing negotiations with wrestling companies. WWE’s status as a larger entity with considerable financial clout suggests that they will retain decision-making power.

However, Meltzer acknowledges the real possibility of WWE joining the Warner Bros Discovery family, indicating that Raw’s significant viewership and financial value make it an attractive asset. This revelation raises questions about the future of AEW’s television deal and the potential implications for both promotions.

As the wrestling world eagerly awaits further developments, speculation abounds regarding the fate of key programming and the broader implications for the industry.