5 game-changing moves that could take AEW closer to WWE after signing new WBD deal

After months of speculation, AEW has finally announced their new multi-year media rights deal with WBD (Warner Bros. Discovery). At a time when the company is struggling on the ratings front, the news comes as a morale booster for the Jacksonville-based promotion.

All major AEW shows are set to be streamed live on WBD's exclusive streaming platform, Max. Many feel that the historic deal has reinstilled the confidence in the Tony Khan-led company to continue their head-to-head competition with WWE.

After grabbing the much-awaited multi-year contract with WBD, All Elite Wrestling would be eager to have a fresh start. Although some feel their current product is not as hot as WWE's, the company could make some major changes in the near future to go past their Stamford-based competitor.

In this article, let's look at five game-changing moves that could take All Elite Wrestling closer to WWE after signing the WBD deal.

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#5. Tony Khan could bring in some notable legends to boost AEW's global popularity

When it comes to signing mainstream wrestling talents, Tony Khan has done a tremendous job as a promoter for All Elite Wrestling. From Sting to Mercedes Mone, Khan has brought in stars from different eras to AEW in the past. Signing a variety of talents allows the company to target different sections of the audience, which is something TK is well aware of.

However, Khan may need to take stronger measures now that AEW has signed a multi-year deal with WBD. The head booker of All Elite Wrestling must sign short-term contracts with renowned legends of the business, who could help bring a lot of eyeballs to the Jacksonville-based promotion instantly.

CM Punk was the biggest signing All Elite Wrestling ever made in their five years of existence. It turned out to be a profitable decision, as Punk helped the company thrive financially.

Khan could call upon some other mainstream stars like Goldberg or Stone Cold Steve Austin for a handful of appearances in AEW. The presence of these icons would help the company do great business in the global market, creating a similar impact to what Punk did during his run.

With All In 2025 set to take place in Texas, Tony Khan must go all guns blazing to somehow have The Texas Rattlesnake appear on the show.

#4. A brand split could benefit AEW greatly

AEW's product is currently struggling with a lack of structure. Although Dynamite continues to be the flagship show, Collision has seemingly lost its identity since the departure of CM Punk.

With Rampage set to go off air soon, now might be the time for All Elite Wrestling to rethink their booking strategies. A brand split could do wonders for the company's current programming, allowing them to improve the quality of their two weekly shows.

Separate rosters for Dynamite and Collision would allow Tony Khan to feature more stars in prominent spots. It would also lead to more consistent storytelling and better continuity. The format of dual rosters has historically worked well for WWE, and it's time AEW goes for the same strategy.

#3. Tony Khan could recruit experienced veterans to steer the company's creative process

AEW puts out a large amount of content on a weekly basis, which often leads to repetitive stories and underwhelming matches. At the moment, it is Tony Khan who is spearheading the creative process of All Elite Wrestling.

While TK has put out some amazing storylines in his five-year-long stint as a booker, it is time he brings in some wrestling geniuses to help him plan out the company's creative content more effectively. Khan previously had names like CM Punk and Cody Rhodes helping him out in the past, who ensured there was a strict continuity in the company's weekly programming.

As the Jacksonville-based promotion looks to begin a new journey with WBD, it is time that the likes of Bryan Danielson and Adam Copeland officially join AEW's creative team. These veterans of the game could reshape the company's storytelling methods, effectively easing the burden on Khan's shoulders.

These names also have a great relationship with most of the AEW talents, making them the perfect fit to lead the company's booking process in the future. Considering the knowledge they possess about WWE's creative thought process, these legends could help improve the business model of the Tony Khan-led company.

#2. All Elite Wrestling must sign a few hot free agents

AEW is much ahead of WWE when it comes to having a diverse roster. While the Stamford-based promotion does have a strong roster, the variety of talent in All Elite Wrestling is second to none.

As the company prepares for a fresh start, Tony Khan must bring in a few specific free agents to the Jacksonville-based promotion. These names could turn out to be game-changing signings for the AEW and put an end to their persistent struggles.

Khan must pull any string necessary to acquire the services of Becky Lynch, who has been a free agent since June 2024. Although it seems like an impossible outcome, the signings of CM Punk, Adam Copeland, and Kazuchika Okada prove how great Khan is at the skill of persuasion. The addition of Big Time Becks could greatly elevate the current AEW Women's division.

The other soon-to-be free agents that TK must sign are Kevin Owens and AJ Styles, whose contracts are reportedly set to expire in 2025. Having found great success in the independent circuit, the duo would love the opportunity to create some memories with many familiar faces in AEW.

All these names would thrive in the wrestling-centric environment of All Elite Wrestling. With the Tony Khan-led company looking to bounce back in its rivalry with WWE, these stars could end up making a major difference.

#1. The Continental Classic could become a pop culture sensation

All In has emerged as AEW's answer to WWE's WrestleMania in recent years. However, WWE also has some other great pay-per-view concepts, that have earned worldwide recognition. From Money in the Bank to Royal Rumble, several WWE match types have become a part of mainstream pop culture.

If the Jacksonville-based promotion wishes to attract new viewers, it must elevate the importance of The Continental Classic. The first edition of the C2 took place in 2023, which was a blockbuster wrestling tournament, featuring many high-quality matches.

Tony Khan must follow up on the success of the first C2 and promote it on a global level. Khan must find sponsors for the annual competition, allowing it to appear as a huge deal in front of the fans. The company must revamp the entire presentation of the Continental Classic and make it an annual event that everyone looks forward to.

The quality of in-ring wrestling would be the selling point of the C2, and the perfect way for it to reach wider audiences. If the Jacksonville-based promotion is able to convert the Continental Classic into a pop culture sensation successfully, AEW will take a huge leap in its battle against WWE.