WWE’s smaller rival AEW considering merger, sources say

All Elite Wrestling, knowledgeable wrestling league owned by the Khan household, is considering merging with World Wrestling Leisure, based on individuals acquainted with the matter.

The Khans, who additionally personal the Nationwide Soccer League’s Jacksonville Jaguars and the Premier League’s Fulham F.C., might accomplice with a strategic media firm to share the mental property whereas merging the wrestling leagues, stated the individuals, who requested to not be named as a result of the discussions are personal. AEW has a TV carriage rights settlement with Warner Bros. Discovery‘s TNT and TBS.

The concept that Vince McMahon, the controlling shareholder of WWE, would merge his firm with the a lot smaller AEW is a protracted shot. AEW hasn’t had talks with McMahon or Nick Khan, the corporate’s chief govt, stated the individuals. McMahon could view promoting to the Khans as a non-starter. Nick Khan isn’t associated to AEW’s Khans.

The Khans are open to discussing a possible function for McMahon, 77, after a sale however have not but had these talks, one of many individuals stated. It is unclear what sort of job McMahon would need with WWE after a sale, however WWE is a a lot bigger and extra established group than AEW. McMahon, who was value greater than $3 billion as of July, is often known as the first artistic drive behind WWE’s storylines.

Sports activities tycoon Shahid Khan, 72, is ranked 292 on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index with a web value of $7.56 billion. He additionally owns auto elements producer Flex-N-Gate.