ESPN has unexpectedly removed the All Elite Wrestling (AEW) tab from its pro wrestling section, surprising fans of Tony Khan’s promotion. The AEW page, which featured live match updates, highlight videos, and wrestler statistics, now returns an error message when accessed. This action came soon after WWE finalized a new partnership with ESPN, raising questions about the reasons behind the sudden elimination of AEW’s content from the network’s sports coverage.
AEW had grown its fan base over the years by showcasing fresh matchups and spotlighting emerging wrestling stars, with ESPN coverage helping broaden the promotion’s exposure through shows like Dynamite and Rampage. The removal of the AEW tab marks a significant shift, interrupting the visibility the company once enjoyed on ESPN’s platforms.
Details of WWE’s Expedited ESPN Partnership
WWE’s collaboration with ESPN, initially planned to start in early 2026, has been moved forward to launch on September 20, 2025. This five-year contract, valued at $1.6 billion, will make ESPN the exclusive platform for all WWE Premium Live Events in the United States. The new deal shifts WWE pay-per-view events, including WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, and SummerSlam, away from NBC’s Peacock streaming service to ESPN’s forthcoming digital platform. The arrangement also introduces a new show titled Wrestlepalooza exclusively on ESPN.
Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN’s chairman, expressed optimism about the partnership, emphasizing WWE’s passionate fan base as a key driver for ESPN’s streaming ambitions. By integrating WWE content, ESPN aims to strengthen its position in the competitive sports entertainment market and appeal to a wider streaming audience.
Implications for Tony Khan and AEW’s Growth
The removal of AEW’s dedicated section from ESPN appears closely tied to WWE’s new media deal, as Disney’s networks historically restricted AEW content. This strategic move may hinder Tony Khan’s efforts to expand AEW’s brand on major sports platforms. While AEW had begun gaining traction through ESPN coverage, WWE’s entrance has shifted the network’s focus, potentially limiting AEW’s access to mainstream sports audiences.
As WWE consolidates its streaming presence on ESPN, AEW fans and industry watchers are left uncertain about the promotion’s future visibility on major sports networks. The situation highlights the intense competition between the two companies and the broader challenges AEW faces in increasing its reach amid WWE’s entrenched partnerships.
