The Future of Wrestling Media is Up for Grabs – And It’s About to Get Messy.
Mark Shapiro, the COO of TKO (the parent company of WWE and UFC), recently dropped some major hints about the future of wrestling media during the UBS Global Media & Communications Conference. And let me tell you, it’s a rollercoaster of deals, partnerships, and potential shake-ups that could redefine how we watch our favorite shows. But here’s where it gets controversial... What happens to decades of wrestling history stored in the WWE library? And where will NXT’s premium live events land after their deal with Peacock expires? Let’s dive in.
Shapiro didn’t hold back when discussing Paramount’s bold, hostile bid for Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), a move that has the industry buzzing. Why? Because WBD is the current TV and streaming partner for AEW, while Paramount is UFC’s new media rights partner. And this is the part most people miss... The bid was triggered by WBD’s announcement that it’s selling its studios and streaming business to Netflix, a WWE partner. Shapiro seems intrigued by the possibilities of a Paramount/WBD merger, envisioning a world where UFC could air on HBO or TNT—networks with a proven track record of attracting and converting sports audiences. He said, ‘I don’t know how this Netflix thing is going to play out, but if Paramount gets that asset, I like the idea of [UFC] potentially living on HBO or TNT. These are historic sports destinations with the power to draw and retain viewers.’
Now, let’s talk about the WWE library—a treasure trove of wrestling history spanning decades and thousands of hours of footage. Rumors have been swirling that it might move to YouTube, and Shapiro’s response didn’t exactly shut that down. He mentioned they’re working on a non-exclusive deal and hinted at an announcement in Q1. Is YouTube the right home for this priceless archive? Or should it stay on a dedicated platform? Let us know what you think in the comments.
NXT’s premium live events (PLEs) are another hot topic. With their current deal with Peacock ending in March 2026, Shapiro admitted they haven’t started negotiations yet. ‘We’re in no rush,’ he said. ‘We want to be deliberate and thoughtful.’ But with so much on their plate, the question remains: Where will NXT PLEs end up? Could we see them on a new platform entirely? Or will they stick with a traditional streaming service?
Shapiro also touched on WWE’s partnership with ESPN, praising their promotional efforts and predicting a seamless transition for cable subscribers to ESPN’s new streaming service. He even shared that ESPN provided a 10-page document outlining their plans, leaving both sides ‘couldn’t have been happier—no notes.’
So, what’s your take? Is the future of wrestling media headed in the right direction? Are you excited about the potential of UFC on HBO or TNT? And where do you think the WWE library and NXT PLEs should land? Let’s spark some debate in the comments—agree or disagree, we want to hear from you!
