Recent announcements have sparked speculation that WWE may be poised to disrupt AEW’s television landscape. With Friday Night Smackdown returning to the USA Network and NXT making a move to the CW, the wrestling world is buzzing with anticipation. While two new television deals have been inked, WWE’s plans for Monday Night Raw remain undisclosed, fueling rumors of negotiations with top networks.
According to a fresh report from Wrestle World, Warner Bros Discovery, parent company of TBS and TNT, is among the top contenders vying for Raw’s rights. The potential alliance between Raw and Warner Bros Discovery could leave AEW without a home on their current networks.
While some insiders suggest a deal with Warner Bros Discovery is imminent, others, like Andrew Zaran of the Matt Men podcast, remain skeptical. Zaran claims to have not heard any confirmation of Raw joining a WB property, leaving the door open for speculation.
Meanwhile, Triple H’s absence from recent Raw tapings has sparked further intrigue. Reports from PW Insider indicate that Triple H and Nick Khan are actively pursuing media rights for Raw, meeting with executives from Disney, Amazon, and Warner Bros Discovery. Could this signal WWE’s intent to secure a lucrative deal, potentially at AEW’s expense?
Backstage Update on CM Punk’s Termination
In a shocking turn of events, CM Punk finds himself terminated from All Elite Wrestling following a series of backstage incidents. The final straw came after a scuffle with Jack Perry and a reported altercation with Tony Khan during AEW’s All In event in London.
Sources reveal that a disciplinary committee, including AEW star Brian Danielson and General Counsel Chris Peck, recommended Punk’s termination. Despite Punk’s long-standing friendship with Danielson, the committee deemed the decision necessary.
While CM Punk reportedly anticipated his termination, he holds no ill will towards Danielson or the committee. In fact, Punk understands the difficult position they were in and is seemingly relieved to be free from an environment he was no longer enjoying.
However, questions arise regarding Tony Khan’s leadership, as leaks continue to plague AEW’s handling of the Punk situation. Despite both parties moving on, leaks from AEW persist, casting doubt on the organization’s ability to maintain confidentiality.
As the wrestling world grapples with these developments, fans await WWE’s next move in the ongoing battle for television supremacy. Will WWE succeed in hijacking AEW’s TV deal, or will AEW rebound from Punk’s departure with new strategies and alliances? Stay tuned for more updates as the saga unfolds.