Jump to content
Pro Wrestling Only

AEW: The new TV deal


sek69

Recommended Posts

So at this point it seems all but official AEW has a new deal with WBD and based on a combination of insider news and TK being incapable of keeping any secrets.  So far it looks like it's going to be $170 million a year for 3 years and an option for a fourth, which is about double what they have now.  They would air on TNT, TBS and Tru TV two times a week. Dave seems to be under the impression Tru TV would be airing reruns of Dynamite or Collision since they are trying to rebrand it as a sports network from 8-10pm. I think it also would be a good place for them to stick a ROH tv show if they could convince WBD to throw it in the pot. AEW PPVs will also start streaming on MAX starting January 2025 at the latest (I also think MAX could be a landing spot for ROH if WBD doesn't want it on regular TV).  Rampage seems to be getting put out of its misery since there hasn't really been any reason for it existing once it became the C show.

AEW is also seemingly trying to shop around a new show (they trademarked AEW: Shockwave) to Fox for a spot on FS1 and also another package to network channels.

 

When it's all said and done it looks like AEW will officially be a profitable business and most likely get a significant boost in visibility by having a spot on a top streaming service like MAX.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/aew-stream-on-max-rights-deal-warner-bros-discovery-1236166277/

 

"Upwards of $150 million" a year. AEW TBS/TNT shows will also air live on Max. Importantly, while the PPVs will be available on Max "later" at a "discounted" price, they will air live at normal prices, so that's another mode of income. Plus, there is still potential for "new AEW programming on linear and digital platforms" and Fox and TK are still negotiating. 

I can't describe it as anything other than a massive Kieron Pollard six out of the ground. Tremendous news for AEW. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I absolutely hate the whole discount price for PPV. So stupid. I’m already paying for max. I’m not paying more money on top of that. I’ll just stream the PPV for free and watch on my laptop. 

The simulcast is cool but I already was watching through my in-laws dish anywhere app. So all in all this did nothing for me but cool they got a deal. 

Now get rid of Jericho.  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Rampage is likely gonna get cancelled, especially if the rumors are true they're shopping another show to a different network. As for BOTB, it's a special happening a handful of times every year so don't think it really matters, at the end of the day.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm cautiously optimistic about MAX being the home of future PPVs/PLEs. Right now, the price of AEW PPVs keeps me from purchasing them and I've rarely heard great things about the services that were carrying them. So, I found alternate means to watch the shows the next day.

But having now done that for 4-5 shows, I definitely see the value of the PPVs and would gladly pay $10-$20 to see them live/on delay and not feel like I'm downloading every piece of malware ever while I do so. Above that price point, though, I'd probably stick with what I'm currently doing.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

All the previous shows will be available on MAX ala the WWE Network on Peacock, yeah? So like you can go back & watch all the previous shows in order?

This is incredible news for AEW & pro-wrestling as a whole, really.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

12 minutes ago, Coffey said:

All the previous shows will be available on MAX ala the WWE Network on Peacock, yeah? So like you can go back & watch all the previous shows in order?

This is incredible news for AEW & pro-wrestling as a whole, really.

This has not been confirmed in the Variety article or any official press releases, but Meltzer did a show and he said he believes they will be, and he has generally been accurate about this story, so I believe his belief. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I hope so cause it will be cool to rewatch the whole Punk run again. 

Meltz is saying they are going to be profitable by like 40-60 million now. 

My only thing with AEW is what are they going to do with this money? I really hope it’s not signing more talent. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Some of it will most probably be invested back in the company. AEW clearly needs a better office - it's (literal) booking of talent, arenas, it's merchandise department etc all range from chaotic to downright terrible. The infrastructure will have to be strengthened. I can't imagine any changes in the creative team though - it seems there are quite enough of them, even though it's not working well. Plus paying their existing wrestlers more money, perhaps bringing pyro back every week, especially if they want to impress Fox, since those negotiations are still ongoing 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, KingBoggs33 said:

I hope so cause it will be cool to rewatch the whole Punk run again. 

Meltz is saying they are going to be profitable by like 40-60 million now. 

My only thing with AEW is what are they going to do with this money? I really hope it’s not signing more talent. 


Lower the ticket prices to try and get some more people in the stadiums. That and sign Hechicero full time and push him to the moon 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...