The professional wrestling world is abuzz as the ongoing negotiations for WWE Raw’s TV rights continue.
In recent developments, key executives from WWE were said to have met with counterparts from Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD).
WWE reportedly meets with Warner Bros. Discovery regarding ‘Raw’ rights https://t.co/QEiaGVpvpI pic.twitter.com/RhgghiwqXn
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 14, 2023
According to Mike Johnson at PWInsider.com, WWE’s top brass, including President Nick Khan and Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque, were spotted in New York discussing a potential deal with WBD.
Alongside them, Mark Shapiro, President and Chief Operating Officer of TKO Group Holdings, demonstrated shared interest in this unique partnership.
If WBD were to secure the rights to Raw, this would cause seismic shifts within the professional wrestling industry.
WBD is a well-known entity in the wrestling world, playing host to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) since its inception in 2019.
As AEW’s TV rights deal is also set to expire in 2024, the future of where their shows will air is up in the air.
Despite Tony Khan, AEW’s owner, expressing a desire to continue the partnership with WBD, the feeling may not be reciprocated if negotiations with WWE continue favorably.
“I feel there is not enough loyalty in the entertainment business,” Khan said during a conference call with reporters in September, per Fightful. “Yes, it’s no secret, and it is a business. We’ll be up at the end of 2024 and I would love to stay at Warner Brothers Discovery forever.”
By procuring Raw, WBD secures a lucrative deal with a globally recognized brand that eclipses AEW, particularly after the contentious firing of CM Punk.
This move could ignite an impressive alliance with WWE that extends beyond merely airtime.
Furthermore, it cannot be overlooked that CM Punk’s return to WWE has played a significant part in this negotiation.
Punk’s comeback, following his departure from AEW, has seemingly boosted WBD’s interest in Raw.
Despite all the buzz of a potential deal, it is essential to remember Mark Shapiro’s statement in the past: WWE might extend its negotiations for Raw up until its current deal with NBC Universal expires.
Moreover, WWE has already secured its agreements for SmackDown (with NBC Universal) and NXT (with The CW), indicating smart planning for future prospects.
While the potential partnership between WWE and WBD is nothing short of tantalising, the channel on which Raw would air remains unclear.
Will it be TNT, TBS, or the Max streaming service?
