"The AEW vs WWE Netflix special is gonna be lit" - Fans react to bombshell news that may change wrestling forever

The future of upstart wrestling promotion AEW might be uncertain following a game-changing announcement. This led to the fanbase erupting with major reactions on social media.

AEW was founded in 2019 and is currently a top program on HBO Max, owned by Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). However, a recent development might put the company's future in jeopardy. According to a report by Deadline, Netflix has acquired WBD by offering a deal of $28 per share, mostly in cash.

The streaming giant is the official home of WWE's television programming, All Elite Wrestling's biggest competitor, and the deal could severely affect them. Moreover, the blockbuster news invited a lot of reactions from the wrestling fanbase. A major section of the audience believed that All Elite Wrestling would be dropped from the network due to its direct competition with the world's biggest wrestling company, WWE, which has been on Netflix since January 2025.

SanchoWest

@SanchoWest

I mean there's no way Netflix keeps AEW right?...right?

AIR

@AIRGold_

WWE & AEW might end up streaming under the same umbrella next year...and I can’t imagine WWE being okay with that

At the same time, another section of fans was thrilled about both promotions airing on the same network and the possibility of WWE-AEW crossover shows, now that they are reportedly under Netflix.

Chuck Taylor

@CTaylor0286

The AEW vs WWE Netflix special is gonna be lit.

Knicks Culture

@El_WorkHorse

If Netflix keeps AEW, they're gonna try to push for a WWE-AEW joint PPV

KJ 🇵🇸

@ThatKJGuy

So AEW is on HBO Max. Which is now purchased by Netflix. So…Netflix now owns Raw streaming and AEW streaming. Wild.

Paramount's reaction to AEW's parent network, WBD's sale to Netflix

Paramount has majorly criticized WBD's reported sale to Netflix. They claimed that it was unfair and even sent a letter to the CEO, David Zaslav, regarding their opinions.

"It has become increasingly clear, through media reporting and otherwise, that WBD appears to have abandoned the semblance and reality of a fair transaction process, thereby abdicating its duties to stockholders, and embarked on a myopic process with a predetermined outcome that favors a single bidder. We specifically request and expect this letter will be shared and discussed with the full board of directors of WBD,” read the letter. [H/T Deadline]

With a major move made, it remains to be seen what the future holds for Tony Khan's promotion.