AEW’s home on television could be facing another round of uncertainty after a surprising update from Warner Bros. Discovery.
Company CEO David Zaslav revealed in a press release that Warner Bros. Discovery has received multiple buyout offers — some aiming to purchase the entire corporation, while others are only interested in certain divisions, such as Warner Bros. or Discovery Global. Zaslav noted that the company is “considering all options” as it maps out its future direction.
The current plan for Warner Bros. Discovery to split into two entities — Warner Bros. and Discovery Global — remains on track for mid-2026. However, with these new offers on the table, that plan could shift dramatically. Whether the media giant decides to sell off parts of the company, go through with the planned division, or pursue an entirely different route, major changes seem inevitable.
This development comes not long after Warner reportedly turned down a buyout attempt from Paramount-Skydance, adding even more intrigue to the situation. Naturally, wrestling fans are wondering what all this means for All Elite Wrestling, whose flagship shows — Dynamite, Rampage, and Collision — currently air on TNT and TBS.
If Warner’s ownership changes hands or the company restructures, AEW’s television deal could be impacted. While there’s no immediate sign of trouble, the uncertainty has definitely raised eyebrows across the wrestling industry.
As the media landscape continues to shift, AEW finds itself once again at the mercy of corporate maneuvering. Whether the promotion remains part of Warner’s long-term plans or has to explore other network options will be a story to watch closely heading into 2026.
Company Continues to Execute on Previously Announced Separation into Two Distinct, Leading Media Companies
Process Follows Unsolicited Interest from Multiple Parties for the Entire Company and Warner Bros.
NEW YORK, Oct. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — While Warner Bros. Discovery (the “Company”) (NASDAQ: WBD) continues to advance its previously announced separation of Warner Bros. and Discovery Global, its Board of Directors today announced it has initiated a review of strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value, in light of unsolicited interest the Company has received from multiple parties for both the entire company and Warner Bros.
Through this process, the Warner Bros. Discovery Board will evaluate a broad range of strategic options, which will include continuing to advance the Company’s planned separation to completion by mid-2026, a transaction for the entire company, or separate transactions for its Warner Bros. and/or Discovery Global businesses. As part of the review, the Company will also consider an alternative separation structure that would enable a merger of Warner Bros. and spin-off of Discovery Global to our shareholders.
“We continue to make important strides to position our business to succeed in today’s evolving media landscape by advancing our strategic initiatives, returning our studios to industry leadership, and scaling HBO Max globally. We took the bold step of preparing to separate the Company into two distinct, leading media companies, Warner Bros. and Discovery Global, because we strongly believed this was the best path forward,” said David Zaslav, President and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery.
Zaslav added, “It’s no surprise that the significant value of our portfolio is receiving increased recognition by others in the market. After receiving interest from multiple parties, we have initiated a comprehensive review of strategic alternatives to identify the best path forward to unlock the full value of our assets.”
“Our decision to initiate this review underscores the Board’s commitment to considering all opportunities to determine the best value for our shareholders,” added Samuel A. Di Piazza, Jr., Chair of the Warner Bros. Discovery Board of Directors. “We continue to believe that our planned separation to create two distinct, leading media companies will create compelling value. That said, we determined taking these actions to broaden our scope is in the best interest of shareholders.”
There is no deadline or definitive timetable set for completion of the strategic alternatives review process. Other than the separation transaction that is already underway, there can be no assurance that this process will result in the Company pursuing a transaction or other outcome. Warner Bros. Discovery does not intend to make any further announcements regarding the review of strategic alternatives unless and until the Board approves a specific transaction or otherwise determines further disclosure is appropriate or necessary.
Allen & Company, J.P. Morgan and Evercore are serving as financial advisors to Warner Bros. Discovery and Wachtell Lipton, Rosen & Katz and Debevoise & Plimpton LLP are serving as legal counsel.”
Stay tuned to Wrestling News Blog for updates as this story develops.
AEW’s WrestleDream 2025 pay-per-view is still making headlines—this time for all the wrong reasons. During a brutal “I Quit” match between Jon Moxley and Darby Allin, the two pushed the envelope on violence and shock value. But it was one particularly disturbing sequence that’s drawing heavy criticism from within the wrestling world.
At one point in the match, Moxley repeatedly forced Allin’s head into a fish tank, holding him underwater while demanding he quit. Allin, true to his daredevil reputation, refused to give in—but the visual left many uneasy.
One of those disturbed by the spot was former AEW coach and producer Sarah Stock, who took to social media to share her concern. Stock, who was released from AEW earlier this year, didn’t hold back:
“You know who should stop this? Mothers. With their remote control. This is worse than the plastic bag over the head. Kids are going to end up dead trying this stuff at home.”
Stock’s comments highlight an ongoing debate within pro wrestling about how far companies should go to blend violence with entertainment. While AEW has built its identity on hard-hitting, risk-taking action, critics argue there’s a line between gritty realism and reckless danger—especially when impressionable fans might try to imitate what they see on TV.
As of now, AEW hasn’t publicly responded to Stock’s remarks, but the conversation around safety and responsibility in wrestling storytelling isn’t going away anytime soon.
You know who should stop this? Mothers. With their remote control. This is worse than the plastic bag over the head. Kids are going to end up dead trying this stuff at home. @aewhttps://t.co/DjCBNr4KiY
$500K Tag match: Jurassic Express def. The Young Bucks
Tornado Trios match: The Hurt Syndicate def. The Demand
TNT championship: Kyle Fletcher (c) def. Mark Briscoe
AEW Women’s World championship: Kris Statlander (c) def. Toni Storm
TBS & ROH Women’s TV championship: Mercedes Moné (AEW) def. Mina Shirakawa (ROH)
AEW Tag Team championship: Brodido (c) def. Kazuchika Okada and Konosuke Takeshita
AEW Men’s World championship: Hangman Page (c) def. Samoa Joe
I Quit match: Darby Allin def. Jon Moxley
The Tailgate Brawl Pre-Show
AEW kicked off the night in pure mayhem with a four-match Tailgate Brawl series, featuring wild tag and multi-man action that set the tone for the evening.
Death Riders def. Roderick Strong & The Conglomeration
The first chaotic battle saw Claudio Castagnoli, PAC, Daniel Garcia, and Wheeler YUTA — collectively known as The Death Riders — score a hard-fought victory over Roderick Strong, Kyle O’Reilly, Orange Cassidy, and Tomohiro Ishii. The bout turned into complete anarchy with all eight men throwing bombs until PAC sealed the win, connecting with a Knee Trembler on Ishii for the decisive pinfall. Afterward, La Faccion Ingobernable cut a backstage promo warning that their issues with Eddie Kingston and HOOK were far from finished.
Eddie Kingston & HOOK def. Frat House
The unlikely pairing of Kingston and HOOK proved dominant, as they overcame Griff Garrison and Kole Karter (with Jacked Jameson at ringside). After a brief interference from Jameson backfired, HOOK locked in Redrum on Karter while Kingston delivered a devastating Backfist to the Future for the submission win.
Willow Nightingale’s powerhouse energy combined with Harley Cameron’s intensity to score a major pre-show win. The four women tore into each other with high-impact offense and close calls before Nightingale finished the match in emphatic fashion, hitting Ford with the Doctor Bomb for the victory.
FTR def. JetSpeed (Kevin Knight & Mike Bailey)
The pre-show finale bled directly into the main card, as FTR’s Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler faced Kevin Knight and “Speedball” Mike Bailey in a fast-paced classic. Despite JetSpeed’s incredible chemistry and aerial offense, FTR’s ring savvy — and a little help from Stokely Hathaway holding Bailey’s foot — gave them the edge. Harwood countered a crossbody into a suplex for the tainted pin, keeping FTR on top.
Main Card Highlights
Jamie Hayter def. Thekla
With no seconds allowed at ringside, Jamie Hayter and Thekla put on a stiff, physical encounter that saw both women trade heavy shots and suplexes. Thekla’s Spider’s Web submission nearly forced Hayter to tap, but the former AEW Women’s Champion powered back, hitting the Hayterade lariat for the victory. Post-match, Queen Aminata appeared to raise Hayter’s hand as the ominous Sisters of Sin looked on from the stage.
Jurassic Express def. The Young Bucks – $500,000 Tag Match
For a cool half-million dollars, Jungle Man Jack Perry and Luchasaurus went to war with the Young Bucks in a high-octane tag team bout filled with callbacks and chaos. The Bucks threw everything at Jurassic Express — including multiple BTE Triggers — but Perry refused to stay down. In the closing moments, Luchasaurus leveled Nick Jackson with a massive chokeslam, setting up Perry to hit Countdown to Extinction on Matt Jackson for the huge win and the payday. After the match, Don Callis Family (Lance Archer, Mark Davis, and Josh Alexander) attacked Jurassic Express until Kenny Omega made a surprise return to even the odds.
The Hurt Syndicate def. The Demand – Trios Tornado Match
In a wild brawl to determine the next challengers for the AEW World Trios Titles, Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin, and MVP — The Hurt Syndicate — overcame Ricochet, Bishop Kaun, and Toa Liona of The Demand. The match featured carnage at ringside, highlighted by a double spinebuster through a table early on. In the end, Benjamin pinned Kaun after a chaotic sequence to earn the Syndicate a title opportunity.
Kyle Fletcher def. Mark Briscoe – AEW TNT Championship
Kyle Fletcher retained the TNT Championship against Mark Briscoe in a brutal, evenly-matched fight that had the St. Louis crowd on their feet. Briscoe seemed to have it won after hitting the Jay Driller on the apron, but Fletcher showed his grit, escaping multiple Froggy Bow attempts and countering into a turnbuckle brainbuster to keep his title. Don Callis watched from commentary, grinning as his protégé survived another war.
Kris Statlander def. Toni Storm – AEW Women’s World Championship
Kris Statlander and Toni Storm put on a hard-hitting classic that mixed technical exchanges with raw emotion. Storm came close after landing Storm Zero, but Statlander rallied with the Area 451 and finished with Saturday Night Fever to retain the AEW Women’s World Title. Post-match, Mercedes Moné arrived, dismissing Statlander and issuing an open challenge — answered by ROH’s Mina Shirakawa.
Mercedes Moné def. Mina Shirakawa – AEW TBS & ROH Women’s TV Titles
In a historic winner-takes-all bout, Mercedes Moné retained her AEW TBS Title while capturing Shirakawa’s ROH Women’s TV Championship. The two traded submissions and pin counters until Moné stole the win by pinning Mina with her feet on the ropes — unseen by the referee. Kris Statlander returned afterward to confront Moné, laying her out with a Samoan Drop to set up a heated collision at Full Gear.
Brodido def. Okada & Takeshita – AEW Tag Team Championship
Brody King and Bandido, collectively known as Brodido, successfully defended their AEW Tag Titles against Kazuchika Okada and Konosuke Takeshita of the Don Callis Family in a brutal, athletic showdown. Despite Okada’s precision and Takeshita’s power, the champions outlasted the challengers — with Bandido hitting a picture-perfect 21-Plex on Okada for the win. Afterward, Takeshita glared at Okada, teasing dissension in Callis’ camp as Brodido celebrated with fans at ringside.
Hangman Adam Page def. Samoa Joe – AEW World Championship
Hangman Page retained the AEW World Title in a violent, hard-hitting encounter with Samoa Joe. The match was pure intensity — Joe dominating early with punishing strikes and submissions, and Hangman fighting from underneath with heart and desperation. After surviving a Coquina Clutch and escaping a Muscle Buster, Page hit Deadeye and followed up with a trio of Buckshot Lariats to seal the victory. Post-match, Joe appeared to show respect — only to lay Page out alongside Katsuyori Shibata and Will Hobbs, declaring that Hangman wasn’t worthy of the gold. Joe stood tall over the champion, belt in hand, as the crowd booed furiously.
Darby Allin def. Jon Moxley – “I Quit” Match
The main event was pure madness. Darby Allin and Jon Moxley tore each other apart in a barbaric “I Quit” match that saw blood, broken glass, and even an aquarium filled with water used as weapons. Moxley and his Death Riders allies tried to drown Darby, but the lights went out — and Sting appeared for a shocking return, laying waste to Moxley’s crew before leaving Darby to finish the fight. Allin rallied, locking Moxley in a Scorpion Deathlock amid the shattered glass, forcing him to scream the words, “I quit.” Darby stood tall, clutching the AEW flag in victory — a symbolic end to a gruesome war.
After months of silence both in the ring and online, Jay White has finally resurfaced — and fans are buzzing.
The former leader of Bullet Club and current AEW star took to X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday for the first time in seven months, posting a single word:
That one-word tease was all it took to set social media ablaze, drawing hundreds of comments and speculation from fans eager to know what “Switchblade” might be hinting at. Could a comeback be on the horizon?
White has been out of action since March 2025, when he last wrestled Kevin Knight on AEW Collision. Not long after that match, reports surfaced that White had suffered a hand injury severe enough to require surgery. Later, word came that he may also have been dealing with shoulder issues, though details about whether he needed a second surgery were unclear.
Before his injury, White was scheduled to compete in the 2025 Owen Hart Foundation Tournament, but AEW used a storyline attack from the Death Riders to write him off television. Knight ultimately took his spot in the bracket, facing Will Ospreay in the opening round.
White’s social media silence only added to the mystery. His last activity on X came back in July, when he replied to a fan predicting a future AEW singles title run with a winking GIF — a fittingly cryptic response from “The Catalyst.”
Now, months later, fans are wondering if “Ready?” means exactly what it sounds like — that Jay White is preparing for his long-awaited return to AEW.
Whether it’s a tease for an in-ring comeback or something else entirely, one thing’s for sure: the wrestling world is watching closely.
AEW could be taking a major step toward building the future of its roster — one that mirrors WWE’s approach with the Performance Center and NXT.
During the AEW WrestleDream media call, AEW President Tony Khan confirmed recent reports that the company has discussed launching its own developmental system and training facility. Khan said the idea has been on the table for some time, and while nothing is finalized, there’s definite interest in moving forward with the concept.
“I am interested in it and it’s something I’ve talked about,” Khan said. “I was kind of surprised to see the report because I’m still interested in that. There’s truth to what’s out there, but like a lot of things, it’s not the whole story.”
According to Fightful Select, AEW had previously explored opening a training center in Asheville, North Carolina, with early plans targeting 2025 for development. The proposed lineup of trainers was impressive — FTR (Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood), Adam Copeland (Edge), and Beth Phoenix were reportedly being considered to help lead the project.
However, the initiative was shelved due to budget concerns, and AEW’s creative direction shifted as storylines evolved — particularly with the on-screen fallout between FTR and Copeland’s circle earlier this year.
Khan addressed that dynamic, acknowledging the real-life and storyline ties between those involved:
“They are fantastic mentors — FTR, Cope, and Christian,” Khan said. “But clearly, earlier this year the dynamic between Adam Copeland and FTR changed a lot. If everyone can get back on the same page, I’d love to revisit that project. We talked about having an AEW-affiliated training school in Asheville with those guys leading it.”
While AEW’s current focus remains on weekly programming and its expanding pay-per-view schedule, the company’s leadership clearly sees the long-term value in building a dedicated system to nurture the next wave of talent.
If the plan does come together, AEW’s developmental program could mark a major milestone for the promotion — creating a true homegrown pipeline to rival WWE’s Performance Center.
Andrade’s absence from AEW programming has taken a surprising turn, with new reports suggesting the former WWE star could be out of action much longer than originally believed — potentially up to a full year.
After weeks of speculation, both F4WOnline and PWInsider confirmed earlier today that Andrade’s hiatus stems from a non-compete clause in his previous WWE contract. The clause was reportedly enforced after WWE released him last month, despite the belief that he was free to sign elsewhere. Initially, many assumed the standard 90-day non-compete period would apply — but things are sounding a lot more complicated than that.
According to PWInsider Elite, sources in the “lucha circles” claim Andrade’s non-compete could extend for a full year due to what’s being described as a “breach of contract” at the time of his WWE departure. It’s not clear whether the alleged breach involved Andrade’s signing with AEW or another issue that contributed to his release, but legal action could be on the table if Andrade decides to challenge it.
From Andrade’s perspective, the situation seems just as confusing. Fightful Select reports that Andrade genuinely believed he was in the clear once WWE let him go, as no one informed him of any non-compete. He even began taking bookings and later finalized his AEW deal with Tony Khan during that period — leading to his high-profile return where he attacked Kenny Omega on Dynamite.
Despite the mess, there’s reportedly no hard feelings between Andrade and AEW. Those close to the situation say AEW was caught off guard just like everyone else — even some within WWE were surprised to learn the clause was still active. The belief is that WWE could, under “normal circumstances,” request Andrade to fulfill WWE dates due to the non-compete, though that option may be complicated by previous wellness policy violations.
For now, Andrade is said to be in good spirits while AEW waits to see how things play out. The company had planned for him to continue his program with Omega, but plans were reshuffled following both Andrade’s situation and Kota Ibushi’s injury. AEW reportedly intends to bring Andrade back as soon as the legal dust settles.
Interestingly, the clause keeping Andrade on the sidelines might not be unique to him. Bryan Alvarez of F4WOnline reported that WWE’s current contracts — under the TKO era — include a standard one-year non-compete for any wrestler terminated “for breach of contract.” The exact legal definition of such a breach remains unclear, but it’s now standard language in all new WWE deals.
Alvarez expressed doubt that such a lengthy restriction would hold up in court, referencing Brock Lesnar’s 2004 battle with WWE, when Lesnar successfully overturned a similar non-compete clause. Fightful Selecteven published the full wording of the clause, confirming that WWE retains the right to bar a talent from working anywhere else in the U.S. for up to one year following a termination for breach.
With Andrade’s legal team reportedly “very good,” it’s possible this story is far from over. Whether this new WWE contract language can stand up to legal scrutiny remains to be seen — but one thing’s certain: Andrade’s next in-ring appearance may not be happening anytime soon.
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