Rumor Roundup (Sept. 23, 2026): AEW uncertainty, WWE counter programming, more!

Happy Hump Day, as always. Here are some rumors for ya.

Lead Rumor: AEW uncertainty

One of the major stories in the media industry right now surrounds the looming merger of Paramount and Warner Bros., which is relevant to our interests due to AEW and its ties to Warner Bros. A partnership with Paramount is a tantalizing prospect for the number two pro wrestling promotion here in the States but it’s unclear what, if anything, will even come of that.

Tony Khan has spoken glowingly about Paramount-Skydance and its head David Ellison. He hasn’t been shy about his optimism for the future of his company under the new umbrella.

On Wrestling Observer Radio, however, Dave Meltzer mentioned that while Khan may be excited about future prospects, no one actually knows how all of this is going to affect AEW. “Obviously it’s giant for AEW,” Meltzer said. “But we don’t know if it’s giant good or giant bad.”

He would go on to say there’s probably a good chance of AEW moving to streaming through Paramount like the UFC does but not as good a chance of a special on CBS.

For now, it’s still a waiting game but answers may finally be coming soon.

As a side note, Meltzer also revealed an interesting tidbit: Another wrestling company was apparently negotiating with Paramount+ over a year ago and there was confidence a deal would be done. It never came to fruition, obviously, and once the UFC deal happened everything went cold.

Other rumors floating around

• Self Made Pro claims multiple wrestlers within WWE reacted to the company counter programming AEW with Worlds Collide with mostly indifference. Business is business and all that.
• Kip Sabian and Penelope Ford do not have contracts expiring soon, says Fightful Select, and they have multiple years left on their deals.
• Rob Van Dam remarked on his podcast just the other day that he could still come back for a run but he doesn’t believe anything will come his way. He thinks he’ll have “three or maybe four matches” by the end of this year but he would be open to more if something comes along.
• Rockstar Spud said on his social media he is still working with WWE as writer/producer despite appearing outside the company.

Have you heard anything? You know where to talk about it!