Although AEW is close to finalizing its new media rights deal, a show could be on the chopping block.
A new television deal between AEW and Warner Bros. Discovery is close to being or is already a done deal as the existing deal expires at the end of the year. The plan is to include pay-per-views on MAX in some form.
AEW has been rumored to be in talks with FOX for a deal that would see a one-hour show named Shockwave. AEW filed a trademark for this, and the rumor is that it would air on FS1.
As previously reported by Puck, the AEW-WBD deal is close to being finalized, with an announcement coming as soon as next week. It was suggested that the new deal is four years with a three-year guarantee that includes an option year to see AEW air programming twice weekly across TBS, TNT, and TruTV.The deal is said to be in a ‘ballpark figure’ around $170 million per year, and it’s believed AEW is shopping a separate package for primarily broadcast channels.
Dave Meltzer pointed out that with AEW airing on TNT, TBS, and TruTV twice a week with Dynamite and Collision airing, it would indicate Tru will get reruns or simulcasts since it’s being rebranded as a sports station from 8-11 p.m EST.
Meltzer wrote, “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.”
With AEW running New York’s Arthur Ashe Stadium for Grand Slam and several WBD executives likely in attendance, an announcement could be made then.
