Official Wrestling News Thread

This is interesting. Inside the NFL is on Tuesdays from 8-9pm

Would they put NXT on from 9-11pm or just change it to a different day?
 
Iceberg_Taylor said:
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NXT will be moving the CW in October of 2024.

NXT was a major domino to fall in the rights fees updates, as now NXT and Smackdown are nailed down.

We're told the deal has been discussed for months, well before the rumors of NWA and CW started. WWE's side of things said that they felt that things moved very quickly, with one source saying that they're very satisfied with the deal. This was a product they were not receiving rights fees for just five years ago, and have increased revenue by millions for something they were already producing.

The deal was particularly appealing for WWE because they get a significant rights fee increase and now they're on a basic network that widens a possible audience base.

On the TKO earnings call, they noted a 70 percent increase on the rights fees, but WWE sources said that when you factor in the things they do, and all that's included, they see it as more like a 200 percent increase. As of now, Fightful does not have the exact numbers. The claim from Deadline was that it was double the $15 million price tag.

As of now, the plan is for NXT to remain on Tuesdays, however, there will be more conversations between CW and WWE in 2024 as the start date gets closer to nail that down.

We're told that the program is expected to remain very similar as it is now. WWE have been very happy with the viewership increases they've enjoyed in recent months, especially with the additions and cameos from main roster stars. From the NXT end, they're hoping that continues now that the deal is hammered out. From a ratings, talent evaluation and performance standpoint, we're told those involved in NXT are very happy with how that's been working.

Talent that we spoke to from the NWA were surprised by this news, with one saying that they were blindsided by it. There was word that NWA was working on a deal with CW, but sources within WWE do not expect that to happen at this point. Beyond that, one of the shows NWA was said to be pushing was a reality series of some sort.

It's worth noting, PWInsider reported this afternoon that negotiations between WWE and CW were ongoing.

USA Network, where NXT had resided, is expected to make a play for the NBA media rights. Regardless of where those land, it will likely affect wrestling, as it'll affect available budget within USA Network and TNT/TBS/WBD.

WWE is speaking with multiple suitors for WWE Raw.
 
PhenomTheMac said:
Lol was responding to you hitting me with a cap about WBD bidding on Raw.

I actually do wonder how WWEs moves will impact AEWs deal. There was all the talk about a HBO Max deal being imminent but still quiet thus far
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I meant to hit ether but I personally hope both sides get their W in their deals as im a fan of both companies.

One thing about business 101, always expect the unexpected anything can happen.
 
WWE is extremely happy about the announced deal with the CW Network today. it was noted during the TKO Group Holdings call that it was a 70% increase in rights fees. One broadcast source PWInsider.com spoke with last week believed the deal was worth "in the area" of $35-$37 million a year. PWInsider.com has not been able to confirm that number but internally, the belief is WWE were getting $15 million a year from NBC Universal for the NXT series.

Internally, this is also being seen as a major opportunity to expose younger talents to fresh eyes and viewers with the hope that they can build new names and the NXT brand as something more self-standing so it has more balance along the lines of how Raw and Smackdown are viewed.


The plan is for the show to be live weekly, but if needed from time to time, they can always tape.

Currently, NXT will still be on Tuesday nights but we are told that WWE is "always open to conversations" if the network needs.

The belief today is the series will still tape out of the Performance Center, but internally, WWE would be open to running tapings elsewhere or even touring if the "financials made sense" but as one source said today, "We aren't there yet."

There were no conversations, that we were aware, about WWE PPV specials on the CW Network outside of "special episodes" like a Halloween Havoc. The belief is that special events will continue going forward on the WWE Network, PPV systems, Peacock, etc.


We've been asked about other companies that spoke with CW. We can confirm that there were lengthy discussions with Dave Marquez's United Wrestling Network to the point that potential strategies were being rolled out but then WWE came into the picture in a strong way 4-6 weeks ago. WWE conversations were likely going on even before that period. We are told that the idea for the Marquez project was to do a weekly live series out of Los Angeles. There's no word whether that series concept will be shopped elsewhere but Marquez has always been a hustler, so I'd be shocked if he doesn't revisit his plans down the line.

There have been rumors making the rounds about a potential NWA series airing on the CW as well in recent weeks, but no one from the NWA or CW has, at any point, confirmed even privately to PWInsider.com that there was anything concrete to those stories, which is why we've never previously reported on it. Those within the NWA circles were sharing with those in the company this evening that the WWE deal had zero bearing on any NWA conversations with CW. The general consensus of those working around the NWA was that there was a 12-episode reality series built around Billy Corgan running the NWA that was pitched to the CW Network as well as the potential of the NWA Powerrr series being streamed on the CW App on the table. Again, no one has told PWInsider.com that is accurate - just that today, those in the company were told there were conversations between the two sides that were not dead.

Despite the fact that CW President of Entertainment Brad Schwartz ran POP when it featured Impact Wrestling, there's been no sign that TNA/Impact were ever in discussions with CW.
 
OGDirtyD said:
I meant to hit ether but I personally hope both sides get their W in their deals as im a fan of both companies.

One thing about business 101, always expect the unexpected anything can happen.
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Facts.

B/c at the end of the day...its all about that green. Which is why I would not be surprised IF WWE pulls that trigger and bring back Punk. If sales skyrocket from merchandising and ticket sales b/c of him returning...then execs wouldn't give 2 fuccs about who dislikes him. It's about the business.
 
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