WWE’s rivalry with AEW is reportedly shifting from routine counter-programming to a focused push aimed at stopping AEW from locking in its next television rights agreement.
In 2025, WWE has already lined up NXT premium live events on the same nights as major AEW pay-per-views. The approach is now extending to main roster shows. An unannounced event featuring Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena is planned for September 20, the same date as AEW’s All Out. WWE is also weighing the idea of moving Cena’s final match to December 27, directly opposite AEW’s Worlds End.
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On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer linked these moves to WWE’s concern over AEW’s media rights deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, which runs through late 2027. He noted that a strong renewal would make AEW “incredibly profitable” and secure its place as a lasting top-tier rival. Meltzer added that WWE even discussed shifting a December show to clash with AEW’s schedule.
“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.”
He described the effort as a “major full-court press” to weaken AEW before its next contract talks.
“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.”
If WWE’s plan works, AEW could enter the end of its current TV deal in a weaker position, leaving TNA as the likely number two promotion. The strategy highlights how the next few years could reshape the balance of power in pro wrestling.
READ MORE: WWE Planning Expanded NXT Premium Live Event Schedule
