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AEW is 'close' to securing its long-term future
Tony Khan. Bob Self/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK

AEW is 'close' to securing its long-term future despite difficult few months

AEW has endured a difficult few months. Declining TV ratings and a swath of criticism from the online wrestling community has taken the shine off what was supposed to be a marquee year for Tony Khan's company. 

AEW started 2024 with a string of new top-tier free-agent signings. Unfortunately for the company, those additions have yet to move the needle. 

Nevertheless, AEW appears to be closing in on a new media rights deal with Warner Bros. Discovery. During a discussion with SportsGrid, Khan provided fans with an update on those discussions and what a new deal would mean for the company. 

“It’s going to be a huge thing. It will mean that all the investment into AEW has more than paid off. It’ll mean a very secure future for AEW for a very long time to come,” Khan said. “We’re going to get a great media rights deal. We’re having great conversations here. And we have a great home now at Warner Bros. Discovery, and, you know, I think this is a great home for us. I’m really pleased they want us to stay.”

AEW boasts an incredibly talented roster. They produce some of the best in-ring entertainment in the world. They also compete with WWE in the free agent market, providing talent with an alternative landing spot. The problem is that Khan has yet to figure out how to utilize the deep roster he has at his disposal. 

Khan's booking used to be one of his strengths, yet throughout 2024, every storyline has felt flat. His instance on being a primarily sports-based promotion isn't resonating with the American and Western-European audience. If it was, the company would still be ascending. 

A new media rights deal gives AEW some breathing room. It ensures the company can continue operating for years to come. However, nothing is guaranteed. Khan must accept that his vision needs tweaking. 

The company must do a better job of attracting new fans and keeping them engaged week-to-week. That means producing more storylines, committing to a better social media strategy, and leaning on the top stars in the promotion. Otherwise, the upcoming will serve as nothing more than a band-aid to much larger problems. 

Adam Taylor

Adam Taylor is a sports journalist based out of the UK. Adam has been covering the NBA for nearly a decade with a core focus on the Boston Celtics. He currently holds bylines with Yardbarker, SB Nation and USA Today

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