A bombshell report from Dave Meltzer on a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Radio has provided a startling look into WWE's alleged long-term strategy, and it's a full-court press aimed directly at All Elite Wrestling. According to Meltzer, WWE is not simply engaging in friendly competition, but is actively trying to put Tony Khan's promotion out of business.
Meltzer’s report, and the alleged motivation behind it, centers on AEW’s upcoming media rights deal. He states that WWE is afraid AEW will receive a large increase on their current US TV deal with Warner Bros. Discovery when the deal is potentially renewed in either 2027 or 2028, which would make AEW "incredibly profitable."
This fear is not without precedent. AEW's previous deal, which began in 2025, saw a massive increase from its initial contract, with reports estimating the value at $170-185 million annually. This past success in securing a more lucrative deal is what has WWE reportedly concerned that another significant increase would make AEW a permanent, and incredibly profitable, fixture in the wrestling landscape.
The latest stage in WWE 's strategy would see John Cena’s retirement match go head to head with AEW WORLD'S END. Meltzer did not mince words, having this to say “That is certainly the story that's going around that they wanted to move from December 13th to December 27th. Given all the actions and everything that has been done, of course they want to. It isn't the only thing, there is so much going on that will probably be breaking in the next couple of months when it comes to different things. They really want TNA to become the other promotion because they can control TNA. This is a major full-court press. They just want this guy [Tony Khan] out of the box and they know if the numbers stay good that he's gonna get a renewal at a much bigger number, just like they did. He's already very profitable, the number will make him incredibly profitable, and they'll never get away from him or anything like that. So they feel that they need to make sure this is the last contract.”
The report paints a picture of a calculated strategy, not just to beat AEW, but to replace them. By allegedly propping up TNA, a company that has had an on-again, off-again working relationship with WWE in the past, WWE could establish a controlled rival, rather than a truly independent one. This would effectively remove the competitive threat of a well-funded and wildly popular alternative.
For the complete breakdown and more information, you can listen to the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio.