Tony Khan Claims WWE Is Leaking Fake Stories About AEW

Tony Khan has gone on the offensive.

AEW is currently involved in talks with Warner Bros Discovery regarding a new media rights deal. The company’s current deal expires in 2024 and the situation has created wave after wave of speculation.

On July 23rd it was reported by SEScoops that an “agreement in principle” had been reached between AEW and WBD. The report noted that according to TV industry insiders, the deal would see the promotion’s content head to the MAX streaming platform – that would include the company’s pay-per-views of which there will be nine in 2024.

However, this was followed by another report which claimed there was no agreement, but the two sides were expected to make a deal. Tony Khan will reportedly meet with WBD boss David Zaslav in Paris during the Olympics.

Tony Khan Hits Out At WWE

On a media call ahead of ROH Death Before Dishonor, Tony Khan was asked by Brandon Thurston about the speculation and the ongoing talks. Before reiterating that he expects AEW to make a great deal, Khan went on the attack, accusing WWE PR of planting fake stories about the negotiations.

“I don’t usually do this, but since Brandon brought it up and asked. I had a major member of the wrestling media mention to me yesterday, WWE is telling people that, and I don’t know why WWE is telling people about our media rights deal. I don’t know whether it’s any of their business,” said Khan.

“I don’t really understand why WWE PR calls people and talks about my business. WWE PR is telling people that the deal is done and that the deal is done at the same level that it was going to be our previous deal. That’s not the case. I don’t know why WWE PR and why major wrestling media members, who are very credible and never lied to me, I don’t know why they are telling people that. It’s none of their business.

I think WWE PR really gets involved in a lot of things they shouldn’t get involved in. I can tell you that is very untrue. When we make a deal for AEW, it’s going to be a great deal with a big increase over what we’ve been doing. We’re in a really good position and have been doing great business here despite what they’re trying to do to us. Thanks.”

ROH Death Before Dishonor is set to take place on July 26th. The card will be topped by the ROH World Title match between Mark Briscoe and Roderick Strong.

H/t to Fightful