WWE Raw Potential Move Raises Questions for AEW's Future

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
14/12/2023 21h32

In a surprising turn of events, WWE's flagship show, Raw, may find a new home with Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) once its current TV deal with NBCUniversal expires in October 2024. This revelation comes after a recent meeting between key WWE representatives and WBD executive Bruce Campbell, stirring speculation about the future landscape of professional wrestling.

According to a report from PW Insider, TKO's Marc Shapiro, along with WWE's Nick Khan and Paul Levesque, met with Campbell at the Warner Bros. Discovery headquarters in New York City. The meeting, which lasted for several hours, discussed the possibility of moving Raw to the WBD family. Campbell, who holds the position of Chief Revenue and Strategy Officer, is a key decision-maker in this potential shift.

The implications of such a deal would have far-reaching effects, especially for All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Since 2019, AEW programming has found a home on WBD's TNT and TBS networks. The current understanding is that AEW's agreement with WBD runs through the end of the 2024 television season.

If WWE were to partner with WBD for Raw, it would put AEW in a precarious position, likely forcing President Tony Khan to seek a new broadcast partner. This development comes at a time when WWE's dominance over the pro wrestling industry in the United States remains undisputed, leading WBD to explore potential opportunities to maximize revenue.

The situation gains further intrigue due to recent events in the wrestling world. CM Punk's return to AEW earlier this year included hints of WBD CEO David Zaslav having high expectations for the former WWE superstar. Speculation arises that Punk's comeback may have impacted the ongoing negotiations for Raw's next TV deal.

While Insider's report emphasizes that no official announcements or imminent agreements have been made, the prospect of Raw moving to WBD is a very real possibility. It raises questions about the coexistence of WWE and AEW programming under the WBD umbrella. However, it's worth noting that Tony Khan has been proactive in discussing a new TV deal for AEW with WBD independently.

Wrestling enthusiasts continue to engage in discussions about whether WWE Raw will indeed find a new home at Warner Bros. Discovery in 2024. The future of professional wrestling programming hangs in the balance, and fans eagerly await further developments from all parties involved.

As the negotiations unfold, only time will tell if WWE's journey down a new broadcasting avenue will reshape the landscape of professional wrestling and create opportunities or challenges for AEW.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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