At a time when WWE is hard at work while trying to lock down a new media rights deal for Raw, an interesting network continues to come up regarding the possibility of them being a bidder for the show.
Previous meeting
As previously reported, Dave Meltzer talked about the latest on the future of Raw on Wrestling Observer Radio, noting WWE shopped Raw around to networks such as Amazon Prime, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Disney’s FX a month ago as they look to get close to $400 million in rights fees per year.
While talks with WBD seemed to be dead after having a meeting with them, they’re not, especially with CM Punk back in the company. WWE’s Triple H and Nick Khan went to LA to have a meeting with WBD a month ago.
The belief is the Raw deal will be finalized soon. It’s also believed Punk opened up what may have been a shut door. WWE booked Punk to work the December 30th WWE house show in LA against Dominik Mysterio due to them knowing it would get a great live reaction and WWE could impress network execs.
Meltzer said that the main thing is talks with WWE and WBD are not dead as they appeared before, but the lingering NBA TV rights deal that has yet to be completed is impacting TV negotiations for both AEW and WWE. WBD is looking to renew the deal with the NBA.
Recent meeting
Pwinsider reports TKO’s Marc Shapiro, Khan, and Triple H went to New York City this past Monday morning, where they had a meeting for several hours at Warner Bros. Discovery headquarters with WBD executive Bruce Campbell, who holds the position of Chief Revenue and Strategy Officer, about Raw’s rights.
It was added that there are still other suitors for Raw.
Obviously, if a deal is reached between WWE and WBD, that would have a major impact on AEW, who has a TV deal with WBD that runs through the end of 2024. Tony Khan met with WBD on Tuesday.
