WWE’s Monday Night Raw in Talks with Warner Bros. Discovery: A Potential Shift in TV Rights
In a significant turn of events, WWE Monday Night Raw is on the verge of securing a new broadcasting home. USA Network’s announcement about re-acquiring WWE SmackDown in Fall 2024 has set the stage for changes, sparking speculations about the fate of WWE’s other flagship shows, Monday Night Raw and WWE NXT.
Changing Tides for WWE NXT
As the first domino fell with WWE NXT’s impending move to The CW, industry insiders speculated that the high costs associated with WWE’s programming might prompt a departure from USA Network.
A Meeting of Minds: WWE and Warner Bros. Discovery
Amidst the buzz of potential suitors like Disney and Amazon, a familiar name in the wrestling domain has entered the fray. TKO COO Mark Shapiro, WWE CEO Nick Khan, and WWE CCO Paul “Triple H” Levesque engaged in discussions with Warner Bros. Discovery Chief Revenue and Strategy Officer Bruce Campbell at WBD headquarters in New York City.
The meeting, held this past Monday, delved into the prospect of WWE Monday Night Raw finding a new home under the Warner Bros. Discovery banner. Talks extended for several hours, indicative of the gravity of the potential partnership. Notably, Khan and Levesque had previously explored options with other potential partners in Los Angeles.
The AEW Connection: Unraveling Possibilities
Warner Bros. Discovery’s foray into professional wrestling commenced in 2019 with the acquisition of AEW‘s TV rights. The introduction of AEW Dynamite on TNT marked the beginning of a growing relationship. The subsequent addition of AEW Rampage and AEW Collision to the network’s lineup showcased the expanding footprint of wrestling on WBD networks.
Read also:- Lacey Evans Claps Back: A Military Twist and A Defiant “Kiss My Ass” to WWE Hall of Famer Sgt Slaughter
The question arises: If Warner Bros. Discovery secures WWE Monday Night Raw, what implications will it have for its existing partnership with AEW? The possibility of hosting both WWE and AEW content on the same network remains uncertain. Tony Khan’s recent meeting with WBD on December 12th adds an intriguing layer, occurring just a day after Nick Khan and Paul Levesque’s discussions with the media giant.
The Unfolding Drama: What Lies Ahead
As the wrestling world awaits the decision on WWE’s flagship program, the potential move to Warner Bros. Discovery introduces a dynamic element to the evolving landscape of professional wrestling broadcasting. The outcome holds implications not only for WWE but also for the intricate tapestry of partnerships and rivalries within the industry. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds, shaping the future of Monday Night Raw and its impact on the broader wrestling landscape.
