At one point, HBO was the go-to destination for watching combat sports. Boxing thrived on the network. Now, with streaming taking over, a new era has begun for both HBO and combat sports.
All Elite Wrestling, Warner Bros. Discovery, and HBO Max recently announced an expansion of an existing partnership. All PPV events, starting with All Out on September 20, will be available on HBO Max.
The deal is a significant one for AEW, which debuted in 2019. In a world of streaming wars, AEW has found a home with a strong brand.
Here’s all you need to know about AEW’s deal with HBO Max, including how to watch PPV events on the platform.
How to watch AEW Pay-Per-Views on HBO Max
HBO Max users with a base subscription and a supported device can log in via their account to purchase PPV events.
On the HBO Home screen, click the “Sports” tab. If the event is not automatically showing up on the day of the show, search “Pay Per View” or “PPV.” Choose the “Watch for (price)” option, review the event details, and choose “Continue” and “Confirm & Pay Now.”
Once purchased (for $39.99), an event can be found under “My Purchases” via the “My Stuff” page on the Max menu.
What AEW’s HBO Max deal includes
As part of the AEW’s deal with HBO Max, wrestling fans will be able to watch all PPV events on the platform. That includes the following events:
- Sept. 20: All Out
- Oct. 18: WrestleDream
- Nov. 22: Full Gear
- Dec. 27: Worlds End
After each event, replays will be available for six months for purchasers.
Wrestling fans can enjoy AEW programming via HDR10 and Dolby Atmos, which delivers a high-quality viewing experience and immersive sound, making fans feel closer to the action like never before.
With no ads, HBO Max will provide fans with the ultimate viewing experience.
The platform is home to AEW’s library, which includes AEW Dynamite and AEW Collision, PPV events, and early programming.
AEW Dynamite, which airs on Wednesday nights, is also simulcast on HBO Max.
Why HBO Max is important for AEW’s streaming strategy
AEW has a multi-year media rights deal with Warner Bros. Discovery. For AEW, it provides an opportunity for significant growth, as the majority of households download WBD services.
Tony Khan has always been clear that his intentions are to make AEW a global entity. The promotion has collaborated with WBD to make TV programs and (now) PPV events accessible to everyone.
“Having AEW on Max has helped us reach new viewers, a new audience, a younger audience, all kinds of people who have never seen AEW before, maybe even some cord-cutters that have gotten away from cable, coming back into AEW,” Khan said via 411Mania.
WWE agreed to a deal with ESPN to expand its reach. The company also has a deal with Peacock. Pro wrestling promotions are attempting to dominate the streaming world. WWE has worked with multiple properties. AEW has found its home with WBD.
What this means for wrestling fans
With various promotions worldwide and multiple ways to watch, HBO Max offers easy accessibility through its app, along with clear, straightforward pricing options.
If wrestling fans already have HBO Max, they are familiar with the various viewing options available on the app. It can become the top destination for AEW programming down the road, with more content to follow.
