Matt Hardy has emphasized the significance of AEW to the wrestling industry and cautioned against dismissing the promotion amid concerns about Paramount’s acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). Earlier this year, Paramount agreed to purchase WBD for $31 per share in cash. On September 21, the company resolved lawsuits from 12 state attorneys general and the Writers Guild, a development Bloomberg noted as clearing the way for the deal’s completion. Paramount CEO David Ellison informed staff that the acquisition is expected to close within approximately two weeks. Since AEW’s weekly shows are broadcast on WBD’s TBS and TNT channels, there is speculation surrounding AEW’s future on television under new management. The merged entity will also control UFC’s media rights, which Paramount highlighted alongside its sports assets when announcing the deal. Like WWE, UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings.
During the September 25 episode of The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy, Hardy addressed fans hoping AEW might lose its media rights, pointing out that such views overlook the bigger picture. He remarked, “In the end, what will happen will happen, and those voicing opinions don’t really control it. They might say what they want or don’t want, but in pro wrestling, if a company is thriving and providing livelihoods not just for wrestlers but for production and backstage crews, then having more wrestling is a positive thing.” Hardy stressed that competition benefits the industry and expressed his hope that AEW continues to exist, describing the promotion as crucial to the wrestling world.
Hardy credited Tony Khan’s AEW for revitalizing WWE since AEW’s 2019 debut. “Tony Khan’s launch of AEW was vital, especially when WWE was somewhat stagnant and less creative-focused. AEW pushed WWE to raise its game, which was good for the entire industry,” he said. Having spent four years with AEW before returning to TNA in 2024, Hardy acknowledged some frustrations he and his brother Jeff experienced in AEW. Nonetheless, he maintains a positive view of AEW’s place in wrestling and supports friends there who rely on the company for their careers. “It’s not a bad thing, and I don’t want people close to me, who are living their dreams and honing their craft, to see their company go under. It’s crazy to think so negatively. Whatever will happen is beyond our control, and we have to accept that,” Hardy added.
Addressing the media landscape, Hardy echoed similar thoughts. Co-host Jon Alba referenced WBD’s financial struggles as a reason behind its sale, to which Hardy responded that fewer thriving media companies mean less competitive pressure. “When more big media companies are doing well, they keep each other in check, and that competition is healthy,” Hardy explained. He also criticized fans who target wrestling promotions they don’t even watch, saying, “If you dislike WWE, why waste time leaving negative comments on their posts? That’s just spreading negativity, which ultimately harms no one but yourself.” Hardy applies the same mindset to negative feedback directed at him and Jeff, choosing not to respond or engage. “It’s easy to strike back, but I don’t deal with that anymore. Usually, hate comes from people who don’t know you personally, and it’s beneath you to stoop to that level,” he stated.
Fan Take:
This update underscores AEW’s vital role as a competitive force in pro wrestling, especially amid evolving media ownership that could reshape broadcast landscapes. For fighting fans, maintaining diverse and dynamic wrestling promotions like AEW ensures continued innovation, opportunities for talent, and ultimately, a richer viewing experience for the sport.
Source: wrestlingnews.co
