AEW President Tony Khan says his early conversations with Skydance leadership have been encouraging for All Elite Wrestling.
Speaking during the October 15, 2026 WrestleDream media call, Khan addressed the completed merger involving Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery and the conversations he has had since that corporate transition. Khan said he has been in discussions with Skydance and specifically pointed to Skydance CEO David Ellison as someone who has responded positively to AEW.
Khan stated that Ellison has been “very excited and positive” about AEW and said he believes in the wrestling company. Khan also singled out Channing Dungey, the Chairperson of Warner Bros. Television, as a significant advocate for AEW. In addition, Khan described the continued involvement of J.B. Perrette, CEO and President of Global Streaming and Games for Warner Bros. Discovery, as encouraging news for the promotion.
The remarks did not include any announcement concerning a new rights agreement, programming changes, or additional AEW media projects. They did, however, offer Khan’s clearest public indication from the call that he sees reason for optimism in AEW’s relationship with the company’s new corporate landscape.
For more background on this topic, read Kevin Knight Sees Heel And Babyface Labels As Secondary To Winning Gold In AEW.
Khan discusses AEW’s post-merger conversations
Major media-company changes naturally create questions for wrestling promotions that depend on television and streaming distribution. For AEW, the completion of the Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery merger has placed increased attention on how the new leadership structure could view the company and its programming.
Khan said he has been speaking with Skydance since the merger was completed. His comments made clear that the conversations have included David Ellison, whose role as Skydance CEO puts him among the central figures in the new corporate picture.
While Khan did not outline the specific substance of those discussions, he characterized Ellison’s response to AEW in favorable terms. The AEW president said Ellison has been excited and positive about the promotion, adding that he believes in the company.
“Very excited and positive” about AEW.
That assessment is meaningful because corporate reorganizations can bring uncertainty even when a wrestling promotion has established programming and a recognizable place within a media portfolio. Khan’s public comments suggest he has been actively working to establish or maintain connections with the executives now involved in the company that houses Warner Bros. Discovery.
At the same time, the remarks should be viewed for what they were: an update on Khan’s conversations and his outlook, rather than a formal announcement of a new business arrangement. No details were offered regarding future AEW programming plans, distribution terms, or the length and nature of any existing or potential agreement.
Channing Dungey identified as a major AEW advocate
Khan also credited Channing Dungey with being a strong supporter of AEW. Dungey serves as Chairperson of Warner Bros. Television, and Khan described her as a “big advocate” for the company.
For AEW, executive support within a media organization can matter well beyond a single meeting or individual programming decision. Wrestling is a weekly, year-round television product with live-event, production, promotional, and streaming considerations. Having executives who understand the brand and support its place in the broader organization can be important during any period of corporate change.
Khan did not attach a specific new initiative to Dungey’s advocacy, nor did he disclose any discussions about particular AEW shows. Still, his decision to name her during the WrestleDream call underscored the value he places on her support following the merger.
AEW’s public identity has long been connected to its ability to present a consistent wrestling product across its major programming. The company’s success is tied not only to what happens in the ring, but also to stability in the platforms that carry its content and promote its events. Khan’s comments positioned Dungey as an important figure in that wider equation.
J.B. Perrette remaining involved is encouraging to Khan
Along with Ellison and Dungey, Khan addressed J.B. Perrette’s continued presence following the merger. Perrette is the CEO and President of Global Streaming and Games for Warner Bros. Discovery, and Khan said it was great news for AEW that he is staying on board.
The streaming side of the business remains particularly relevant across the entertainment industry, and wrestling companies have increasingly had to consider both traditional television and digital viewing habits. Khan did not announce any streaming expansion, platform change, or new AEW content plan during the call. His comments were instead focused on the broader benefit of continuity among executives familiar with the company.
That distinction is important. The media call produced an optimistic update from Khan, but it did not establish any new deal points or confirm any future rollout. What it did show was that Khan sees the retention of experienced Warner Bros. Discovery leadership as a positive factor while the merged company moves forward.
For AEW fans, the immediate takeaway is less about a specific announcement and more about the tone of Khan’s comments. He portrayed the people he has been speaking with as receptive to AEW and expressed confidence in the company’s standing during a significant moment of transition for its media partner.
No major programming announcement attached to the update
The timing of Khan’s comments came as AEW prepared for WrestleDream, with the October 15 media call serving as a platform to discuss the company ahead of the event. Media calls around major shows can cover wrestling storylines, event expectations, business developments, and broader company news. In this case, the discussion of Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery added a business-focused element to the WrestleDream build.
However, Khan did not use the call to reveal a new television show, a streaming exclusive, a scheduling change, or a rights announcement. There were also no announced changes to AEW’s current presentation, roster direction, or event calendar connected to the merger discussion.
That leaves the situation in a familiar place for now: Khan has publicly described productive and positive conversations, but the practical details of AEW’s future media plans were not part of the update. Any larger conclusions about programming or long-term distribution would go beyond what was said on the call.
Still, the absence of a formal announcement does not erase the significance of Khan speaking positively about the relationship. In periods of ownership change, public reassurance from a company president can help establish where that company believes it stands. Khan’s message was that AEW is being met with enthusiasm by Ellison, supported by Dungey, and aided by Perrette’s continued role.
What Khan’s comments mean for AEW
There is an understandable interest in every development surrounding AEW’s media future, especially when the corporate structure around Warner Bros. Discovery has changed. Khan’s WrestleDream media call comments did not answer every question that may exist around the merger, but they did provide a measured indication of his confidence.
His central point was straightforward: AEW has been part of his conversations with Skydance leadership, David Ellison has been positive about the promotion, and influential Warner Bros. Discovery figures who support or understand AEW remain involved. Khan views those developments as beneficial to the company.
That is not the same as a guarantee of any particular next step, and Khan did not present it as one. Rather than making a sweeping announcement, he emphasized relationships, communication, and continuity. Those factors may not produce an immediate on-screen change, but they are relevant to a wrestling company operating within a changing media environment.
As AEW moves ahead with WrestleDream, Khan’s comments provide a favorable update on the business side of the company. The promotion’s president believes the new Skydance leadership is receptive, believes David Ellison is enthusiastic about AEW, and sees the involvement of Channing Dungey and J.B. Perrette as a positive sign following the merger.
For now, those are the firm details available. AEW has not announced further specifics tied to the merger, but Khan made his position clear: he is encouraged by the executives he has spoken with and optimistic about what their support could mean for the promotion.
Darryl Polo
Darryl Polo is a passionate wrestling fan covering WWE, AEW, TNA and beyond. He loves great rivalries, breakout stars and the moments that keep fans talking long after the bell. How we work.