Tony Khan‘s recent assertion that “AEW on TBS and TNT” is “here to stay” has been followed by new insights into the company’s evolving relationship with Warner Bros. Discovery.
The statement, made at the AEW Collision and Rampage tapings in Hoffman Estates, IL on September 6th, 2024, has now been supplemented with details about potential changes to AEW’s pay-per-view structure. Dave Meltzer, speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, has shed light on the status of the deal, stating unequivocally:
The WBD deal is a done deal.
However, Meltzer also revealed that the new agreement will introduce significant changes, particularly regarding PPV events.
There is going to be a pay-per-view component in this deal,
Meltzer explained, though the exact details remain unclear. He speculated on the potential scope of these changes, saying:
If they’re doubling the number and WBD is getting the rights to the pay-per-view, I could see that makes doubling the number more sense in a lot of ways.
While the specific model for PPV distribution is yet to be confirmed, Meltzer hinted at possible parallels with other major sports entertainment brands.
I don’t know exactly if it’s going to be how UFC does it, if it’s going to be how WWE does it, but there is going to be a deal with (HBO) MAX with the pay-per-views in some form.
This development suggests a significant shift in how AEW fans might access the company’s premier events in the future, potentially through HBO Max, WBD’s streaming platform.
What New Show Name Did AEW File A Trademark For?
AEW recently filed a trademark for a new show called “Shockwave.” The company filed the trademark with the United States Trademark and Patent Office on September 6th. However, this does not mean that something will come from the trademark as they previously trademarked the term “Blood Moon Rising” but have yet to do anything with said trademark.
H/t to WrestleTalk.com