AEW’s biggest supporter in WBD, David Zaslav, departing the company

Warner Bros. Discovery CEO and President David Zaslav, the main man who brought in and supported AEW to be part of TNT/TBS/HBO Max, is leaving the company once WBD and Paramount officially merge as Skydance next week.

AEW President Tony Khan often mentioned his friendship with Zalsav and noted his instrumental work in the AEW media rights deal with WBD. His departure will certainly be felt within AEW as Zalsav was a big supporter of the company and comes at a time when AEW will be looking at trying to remain on WBD for the foreseeable future under the Skydance leadership.

Zalsav will be getting $550 million in stock and cash, including $34.2 million in cash severance pay.