WWE’s new partner made a bold move involving AEW that will surely not please Tony Khan.
The AEW fans woke up to a surprise when the AEW tab on ESPN’s pro wrestling section vanished overnight. The dedicated page offered live match updates, video highlights, and fighter stats, but now throws an error for anyone trying to access it. ESPN’s sudden removal of All Elite Wrestling coverage comes shortly after WWE struck a new partnership with the network, sparking questions about motives and strategy.
The AEW tab on ESPN’s pro wrestling section has been removed.
Trying to access the page gives an error now. pic.twitter.com/FddDJCvM0d
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) August 20, 2025
For years, AEW has steadily grown its audience by offering fresh matchups and elevating new stars. ESPN’s coverage amplified AEW’s reach, showcasing key events like Dynamite and Rampage to a wider sports audience.
The ESPN tab’s removal coincides with WWE’s latest media deal. Although AEW had carved out space on ESPN, Disney’s networks remained off-limits to the company. Now, thanks to the new agreement, WWE programming will join ESPN’s digital platforms. The move seems aimed at centralizing sports content under one roof, but it also means AEW’s growing presence on ESPN has been cut, likely a strategic blow to Tony Khan’s brand expansion.
WWE’s Partnership With ESPN
The company’s deal with ESPN started much earlier than anyone expected. The two companies originally planned to begin their partnership in early 2026, but moved the launch date to September 20, 2025. ESPN will become the exclusive home for all WWE Premium Live Events, starting with a brand new show called Wrestlepalooza.
WWE 🤝 ESPN
WWE Wrestlepalooza streams live from Indianapolis on @ESPN, Sept. 20 at 7pm ET / 4pm PT! pic.twitter.com/g2rLJkxhkW
— WWE (@WWE) August 20, 2025
The five-year agreement is worth $1.6 billion total, which equals about $325 million per year. This massive deal moves all WWE pay-per-view events from NBC’s Peacock service to ESPN’s new streaming platform. Major events like WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, and SummerSlam will now stream exclusively on ESPN in the US starting in 2026.
ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro said WWE’s passionate fanbase will help drive their streaming future. The partnership gives ESPN major sports entertainment content to compete with other streaming services.