Exploring The Possibility of WWE Potentially Moving To Warner Bros. Discovery-Owned Network and Its Potential Impact on AEW

 Exploring the Possibility of WWE Potentially Moving To Warner Bros. Discovery-Owned Network and Its Potential Impact on AEW

While I don't believe it will happen, rumors are circulating about the possibility of a Warner Bros. Discovery-owned network becoming the next home for WWE's flagship program, WWE Monday Night RAW. Fightful confirmed a month ago that NBCU and the USA Network might bid for NBA programming, a long-standing flagship on TNT. This development follows USA Network's decision to pursue WWE SmackDown, which has consistently outperformed in ratings. This implies that WWE RAW may need to find new homes in the upcoming deal, with WWE NXT already signing with CW Network, leaving USA.

NBA programming is expected to see significant increases in TV rights fees in 2025-2026. The outcome of this could significantly impact the future of AEW. Let's explore some possibilities:

1. Warner Bros. Discovery retains the rights to NBA programming but pays more due to the increase in TV rights fees. Since the NBA attracts higher ratings than any professional wrestling programming, this could mean less money available for AEW in their upcoming TV deal, ending on December 31st, 2024. This situation might pose challenges for AEW, considering their ambitious programming schedule and associated costs.
2. Warner Bros. Discovery loses NBA programming to another network. With more funds available, they could potentially offer AEW the increase that Tony Khan is anticipating.
3. Warner Bros. Discovery loses NBA programming to another network and decides to pursue WWE, aiming to secure the #1 wrestling company in terms of popularity and revenue.

This raises questions about AEW's future. While AEW and WBD have not yet extended their television deal, recent reports suggest that WBD is content with AEW's programming success. However, with ongoing developments, the situation could change.

Currently, Warner Bros. Discovery is reported as the front-runner to secure RAW, potentially impacting AEW. If Warner Bros. Discovery adds WWE RAW to its lineup, it could mean either:

1. Airing four weekly professional wrestling programs.
2. AEW being replaced by WWE.

The delay in extending the AEW-WBD deal might be because WBD is awaiting developments with WWE RAW. WWE has expressed willingness to change RAW's airing night, providing them with leverage in negotiations with networks.

While the potential loss of the TV deal with WBD might not be the end for AEW, it could be a significant challenge. AEW, however, has the capability to find a new home. This whole situation is reminiscent of WWE's historical maneuvers, such as the 2000 deal with Viacom that shifted WWF RAW is WAR to TNN Network, displacing ECW Wrestling.

What are your thoughts? Share them below! How do you foresee WWE RAW potentially moving to a Warner Bros. Discovery-owned network impacting AEW? Will AEW weather the storm, or could it lead to significant changes? Let me know your thoughts!