According to a new report, AEW might not be renewed by Warner Bros. Discovery.
Dave Meltzer, on Wrestling Observer Radio, discussed recent speculation about the future of WWE’s Monday Night RAW.
About a month ago, WWE was reportedly exploring options, including potential moves to networks like Amazon Prime, Warner Bros. Discovery, or Disney’s FX, while also considering staying with USA Network.
Meltzer mentioned the desire to secure around $400 million in rights fees but expressed skepticism about reaching that figure.
The negotiations were initially believed to be dead with Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) but have been revived, partly due to the involvement of CM Punk.
Punk’s presence has added a new dynamic to the discussions, and WWE is actively finalizing the RAW deal. Meltzer highlighted that negotiations with both WWE and AEW are critical for the future of professional wrestling, impacting factors like days of the week and broadcast networks.
Meltzer speculated on the possibility of SmackDown moving from Fridays, and Raw potentially shifting to a different night. He expects significant news in the coming weeks, acknowledging that the outcome could range from maintaining the status quo to substantial changes.
Regarding the potential deal with WBD, Meltzer mentioned that it might not have an exclusivity clause, suggesting the possibility of both WWE and AEW airing on their networks. However, the decision depends on WBD’s budget constraints, especially considering their interest in retaining the NBA rights. The negotiations could significantly shape the landscape of professional wrestling in the near future.
In an update on this situation, Haus of Wrestling reported the following today:
“The vibe we have been given is that AEW is in danger of not being renewed by WBD for TNT or TBS. One scenario that was given to us was that WWE RAW would move to TNT or TBS, and AEW would be moved to Discovery.
Two higher-up sources in AEW that I spoke with said that was news to them and not something they had heard. Another said, ‘Only person who really knows is Zaslav’.”
Also Read: AEW To Lose $34 Million In 2023 (Details)
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