AEW files several trademarks, weeks after confirming new deal with WBD
AEW recently inked a major deal with Warner Bros. Discovery. The promotion isn't wasting any time in introducing brand new shows, as seemingly evidenced by recent trademark filings.
The new media rights deal allows AEW to bring Dynamite and Collision to HBO Max starting January 2025. It seems like the promotion is planning to introduce some other shows on the platform after their brand new deal with Warner Bros. Discovery.
On October 25, 2024, All Elite Wrestling filed trademarks for the names 'AEW Max Month,' 'AEW WrestleMax,' and 'WrestleMax' with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The description of the filing is as mentioned below:
"Entertainment services in the nature of live wrestling performances; Entertainment services in the nature of production of wrestling programs and events; Entertainment services, namely, an ongoing multimedia program featuring wrestling distributed via various platforms across multiple forms of transmission media; Entertainment services, namely, an ongoing series featuring wrestling provided through television and the internet; Entertainment services, namely, production and distribution of ongoing television programs in the field of wrestling; Educational and entertainment services, namely, a continuing program about wrestling accessible by radio, television, satellite, audio, video and computer networks."
Vince Russo believes Warner Bros. Discovery could force Tony Khan to sign Shane McMahon to AEW
WWE veteran Shane McMahon was recently spotted with Tony Khan and later with The Young Bucks, which sparked speculations that he might show up soon at All Elite Wrestling. However, Shane and Tony both have denied any rumors about McMahon's arrival.
In a recent chat on Sportskeeda Wrestling's Writing with Russo show, Vince Russo claimed that after the huge renewal between WBD and All Elite Wrestling, there were rumors that the network had a stake in the company. If this was indeed true Russo felt they could compel the promotion to sign Shane McMahon against Tony Khan's wishes.
"Well, here's the interesting thing, Chris [...] with this deal being announced, now we're hearing some rumors of WBD having stake in the company. Well, if that is true, and maybe that's how they got a television deal in the first place because WBD had some stake in the company [...] if that is true, then it's possible that Tony Khan does not have 100% say-so, and if a WBD wants a Shane McMahon, he might not be able to do anything about it," Russo said. [From 2:28 to 3:05]
Only time will tell if Shane McMahon arrives in All Elite Wrestling in the near future.