As the wrestling landscape continues to shift, rumors are swirling that WWE might be looking to disrupt AEW’s television deal. With their current contract for Monday Night Raw set to expire soon, WWE is deep in negotiations with various networks, including Disney’s FX, Amazon Prime, Netflix, and their current home, the USA Network. But there’s one unexpected player in the mix: Warner Bros. Discovery, the current host of AEW’s programming on TBS and TNT.
Speculation about WWE’s interest in Warner Bros. Discovery intensified following reports of resumed talks earlier this week. Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer hinted at significant changes in WWE’s negotiations, pointing to CM Punk’s pivotal role in the discussions. It’s no secret that Warner Bros. executives, including CEO David Zaslav, are admirers of CM Punk, whose signing with AEW was a turning point for the promotion. Punk himself joked about his influence on securing AEW’s television deal, suggesting a newfound openness between Warner Bros. and WWE.
Recent reports indicate that high-level meetings have indeed taken place between WWE and Warner Bros. Discovery executives. Mark Shapiro from TKO and WWE’s Nick Khan and Paul Levesque (Triple H) reportedly met with Bruce Campbell of Warner Bros. Discovery to explore the possibility of moving Monday Night Raw to the Warner Bros. family. While discussions are ongoing, insiders suggest that the deal might not be a sure thing, with conflicting reports about the likelihood of an agreement.
However, the potential impact of such a move on AEW cannot be understated. Losing their television partner would be a significant blow to AEW, especially considering the recent firing of the individual who facilitated talks between WWE and Warner Bros. Discovery. The outcome of WWE’s negotiations and Warner Bros. Discovery’s decision could reshape the wrestling landscape and have far-reaching consequences for both promotions.
**CM PUNK FUTURE PLANS REVEALED**
Meanwhile, CM Punk’s future plans have also come into focus. After much anticipation, Punk officially signed with the Raw brand, spurning offers from NXT and SmackDown. While his on-screen decision has been made, Punk has been actively involved behind the scenes, providing feedback and observing matches at the Performance Center.
Reports suggest that Punk has a long-term goal of succeeding Shawn Michaels in NXT, taking on a leadership role in talent development and creative. Despite no immediate plans for Michaels to step down, Punk’s presence at NXT events indicates his eagerness to learn and contribute to the developmental process.
**AEW TO SIGN FORMER WWE CHAMPION?**
On the AEW front, rumors are swirling about the potential signing of former WWE World Champion Dolph Ziggler, now known as Nick Nemeth. Sources within AEW have revealed that there is significant interest in bringing Ziggler on board, with creative pitches already in the works. One proposal involves pairing Ziggler with CJ Perry, formerly Lana in WWE, in a potential storyline. While nothing is confirmed yet, fan reactions suggest that Ziggler’s addition to AEW’s roster could generate considerable buzz.
**WWE CHAMPION CONTRACT ENDING**
Finally, a current WWE champion’s contract is on the verge of expiration. Seth Rollins, the reigning WWE World Heavyweight Champion, is set to become a free agent in June 2024 when his current deal ends. While there have been no discussions regarding a contract extension yet, WWE sources indicate that Rollins will be a priority for re-signing in the coming months. However, speculation remains about Rollins’ future with WWE, and fans are eager to see whether he’ll stay with the company or entertain offers from elsewhere.
As the wrestling world braces for major changes, these developments underscore the dynamic nature of the industry and the fierce competition between promotions. Stay tuned for further updates as the landscape continues to evolve.
