Over the past few months, there has been a major buzz around WWE’s broadcasting rights when it comes to their shows, NXT, SmackDown, and Monday Night RAW. Below is an update on where things stand and where they are headed.
WWE Broadcasting Rights Deal & Where Negotiations Are
WWE recently announced new broadcasting television deals for NXT and SmackDown, which will begin coming 2024. This leaves Monday Night RAW up in the air, but Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio recently provided an update.
Meltzer notes the WWE has been in talks with major organizations like Disney and Amazon. While there have been talks for some time with Warner Bros. Discovery, and it was once believed there was no way a deal could be formed, sounds like this has changed.
What’s the reason behind the possibility of WWE and WBD negotiating a contract? It could be because of CM Punk’s return to the company.
As many know, WBD owns both TBS and TNT, which currently airs AEW programs. A deal with WWE and WBD would be a game-changer as it would mean that All Elite Wresting would have to find a new TV home.
What Is CM Punk’s End Game With WWE NXT?
CM Punk noted earlier this year on AEW television that David Zaslav was a fan of his. Zaslav also happens to be the CEO of WBD.
Meltzer states that Punk was added to WWE’s LA live event coming up due to the presence of possible partners, but this has not been confirmed yet. He also notes that the next television deal for RAW will probably be announced soon.
WWE is working hard to finalize an agreement. The hope is to bring in approximately $400 million for the company’s longest-running show.
It’s important to note that WBD is likely paying a significantly lower rate for AEW. Therefore, they must weigh out a ton of “pros and cons” before signing on that dotted line.
