Brian Damage
This Week in Wrestling: Week 38 of 2026
So the really big news this week is the merger between Paramount and Warner Brothers has been made official. What exactly does that have to do with pro wrestling? Perhaps a lot. As we’ve talked about a few times this year when the deal was initially rumored and then made known….AEW is in the cross hairs. Will they be renewed? If so, will it be a large deal like they had in the past? Will they be cancelled? If that is the case, realistically, where can they end up?
There doesn’t appear to be too many options open to them at this time. Of course that can all change, but as of now things do not look good as far as options if they were to be canceled by Paramount. Tony Khan made his presence known that he is “excited” about working with Paramount in the future. It led many AEW fans hopeful that they could remain with the company as a broadcast partner. Realistically though, what else is Khan going to say at this point?
I am definitely not saying that AEW will fold. Don’t forget, the Khan family are billionaires. I believe Tony will do whatever is necessary financially to keep them alive. The thing is, will he have to eventually trim payroll if or when they get removed from TBS and TNT etc.? This is an extremely pivotal moment for the future of AEW. Their ratings have been okay, their attendance for pay per views have been solid, but for ordinary TV tapings are not good.
There is a lot for Paramount management to digest when it comes to keeping AEW on their payroll. Granted, I do think that Tony Khan and company are barely a blip on their radar at this time, but eventually their turn will come to roost and I just don’t know if they are safe as Tony Khan leads his fans to believe.
Photo Gallery
Photo bomb 25 years later
Rhea Ripley getting back into fighting shape!
Jenni and Nattie Neidhart
Nixon Newell
Stephanie Vaquer
Dawn Marie
Leila Grey
Thunder Rosa
Carmella
Video Gallery
The legendary Bruno Sammartino featured in a radio contest commercial!
Luke
AEW will be fine. It was never about making money. Despite what Meltzer says, I don’t believe it ever had a dollar of profit. If things go south, either hairy Iron Sheik buys Tony a TV network or they move online. Their core fanbase is undeterred, they’ll follow them everywhere.
Luke Sucks
Racist much?
Luke
Stupid much? The joke had zero to do with race. Read slowly, here it comes: Shad looks like the Iron Sheik with hair. Mainly thanks to the mustache, but also the facial features. Again, just in case you missed it the first time, ZERO to do with race. Now, since I explained my way of thinking, care to return the favor and explain what exactly led you to the conclusion that this joke was racist. Because otherwise… Racist much?
I love how I made an impression big enough on you that you changed your name, but word of advice, Danny. Next time when you want to try to go incognito, you may want to change your avatar too…
That’s oh for two.
Daniel Mitchell
I didn’t need to change my profile pic – just my name 🙂
Luke
I like how that’s your only takeaway from this…
Kyle Prescott
Agree, other than the “hairy” comment. They aren’t going anywhere as long as Shad is alive. When he’s gone Tony will have greater responsibilities and may not care as much about iAEW. Being an NFL owner would be his new passion I believe, probably in a Jerry Jones way, which isn’t always a good one.
Luke
Other than Confucius up there completely missing its point, what’s wrong with the “hairy” comment?
Shane2Times
You’re good Luke! Your first comment made me laugh. I’m sure everyone else with a sense of humour understood as well.
Luke
It was racist, you’re not allowed to laugh. Racist, I tell you!!!
Shane2Times
*Putting on my serious face!*