There have been murmurs recently about the possible discussions between AEW (All Elite Wrestling) and FOX to develop a new wrestling show. Our sources indicate that AEW may be nearing the final stages of a media deal with Warner Bros. Discovery. Tony Khan, a figurehead in AEW, recently stated with confidence that it’s “safe to say” the company will continue to maintain its presence on TBS and TNT channels.
It’s worth noting, Fightful Select reports the negotiations between AEW and Warner Bros. Discovery are making good progress, although the media agreement hasn’t been finalized yet. The discussions are, as we understand it, “ongoing and amicable” as both parties are trying to solidify the most beneficial terms possible.
What’s known is that the WWE’s contract with FOX officially ended last Friday, with SmackDown making a shift to the USA Network earlier this week. FOX has expressed an interest in introducing more wrestling content on its network, and they came close to bringing MLW on board with their Tubi platform. The network is reportedly considering a seasonal wrestling show for Tubi, and insiders in AEW and TV industry circles have referenced the potential for select AEW programming to appear on Tubi. This consideration could explain the recent trademark application for AEW Shockwave. It remains unclear, however, whether the show will be aired on FOX, Tubi, Fox Sports 1 or another platform.
It’s also worth mentioning that FOX has had little trouble in securing advertisement revenue for their wrestling content, although the cost of SmackDown’s airing did dent profits.
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