The pro wrestling hinges on television viewership, and that landscape could change in a big way. Warner Bros Discovery is a heavy-hitter in the entertainment industry, and that influence may spread with a landmark merger
AXIOS.com is reporting that Warner Bros. Discovery’s CEO David Zaslav and Paramount Global’s CEO Bob Bakish engaged in discussions on a potential merger between the two media giants. The meeting occurred on Tuesday in New York City at Paramount’s headquarters in Times Square, indicating the significance of the talks.
Warner Bros. Discovery is presently the broadcasting home for All Elite Wrestling (AEW), with AEW programming airing on TBS and TNT. Notably, the network is set to launch a new reality series titled “Big Little Brawlers,” which will focus on the Micro Wrestling Federation based in Pigeon Forge, TN, with its premiere scheduled for the upcoming month.
On the other side, Paramount, as the parent company, boasts an extensive portfolio that includes MTV, Comedy Central, CBS, Paramount+, and various other outlets. Despite not currently featuring professional wrestling content, MTV has a history with wrestling programming, having hosted Wrestling Society X in the past.
The discussions between these media giants suggest potential shifts and expansions in the entertainment landscape, marking a strategic move that could impact the television industry. The merger talks bring together two influential entities with diverse programming offerings, creating anticipation for the outcome of their deliberations and the future landscape of broadcast media.
It’s unclear exactly how this could change any ongoing television rights talks WBD has with any company. They are reportedly discussing a deal with WWE for RAW, and of course, Tony Khan’s AEW has three shows across WBD’s channels.
We will keep our eye on this story, and so many more, here at Ringside News. A lot of money is at play in this situation, and it could go on to directly affect fans’ lives.
What’s your take on WBD possibly merging? Let us know what you think in the comments section!