AEW is nearing the finalization of its upcoming media rights deal, which could potentially result in the cancellation of a show.
A new TV contract between AEW and Warner Bros. Discovery is close to completion, with the current deal expiring by the end of the year. The plan is to incorporate pay-per-view events into MAX in some capacity.
There have been speculations about AEW engaging in discussions with FOX for a deal involving a one-hour program called “Shockwave.” AEW has filed a trademark for this, and there are rumors that it might be broadcast on FS1.
As we previously reported here on eWn, the AEW-WBD deal is on the verge of being finalized, and an official announcement could be made as early as next week.
The new deal spans four years with a three-year guarantee, including an option for AEW to air programming twice weekly across TBS, TNT, and TruTV. The estimated value of the deal is around $170 million per year, and it’s believed that AEW is also looking to secure a separate package primarily for broadcast channels.
On a recent edition of the Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that AEW airing on TNT, TBS, and TruTV twice a week with Dynamite and Collision would imply that TruTV might air reruns or simulcasts, given its rebranding as a sports station from 8-11 p.m. EST.
Meltzer said, “This would confirm what another source indicated to us this past week that Rampage would not be continued, and that the third show, likely called AEW Shockwave given AEW just filed for a trademark for that term, would be the show being shopped around to FOX and likely others.”
Considering AEW’s event at New York’s Arthur Ashe Stadium for Grand Slam 2024 and the likely presence of several WBD executives, an announcement might be made at the show.
