Which network will broadcast WWE Raw in 2024?
Despite SmackDown and NXT being locked in for lucrative deals until 2029, the longest-running show under the company umbrella still does not have a home when the current deal expires. Currently broadcast on the USA Network, there are no guarantees that the Monday night show will be renewed as WWE SmackDown is already confirmed for the USA Network when the FOX deal expires.
As reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the frontrunner is the FX Network and streaming services have also taken an interest:
For most of the negotiation period the idea was FX as the leader, with Netflix, USA, WBD and Amazon Prime all being talked about.
The name that sticks out in the list is Warner Bros. Discovery [WBD]. The conglomerate is the owner of the TBS and TNT networks, the home of all 3 AEW shows. It has been rumoured that WWE may try to secure a deal with WBD before AEW’s current network deal comes to an end, likely forcing the rival promotion off TBS. WWE have been more aggressive with their competitive tactics in recent months, signing away multiple top stars from the rival promotion and loading up shows when they go head to head with AEW. So how possible is a WBD move?
While it would be a major blow to AEW if their biggest rival secured a WBD deal this looks unlikely. It is also reported in the Newsletter that CEO Nick Khan attempted to secure a deal back in October, but was ultimately rejected:
Regarding WBD which would be the game changer in many ways if it happened, the WBD version told to many this past week is that Nick Khan last went to WBD in October with a pitch and was turned down.
The attempt to secure a deal with WBD was described as a “longshot” due to the belief that the network has a stake in AEW. Additionally, it is noted that those in WBD have stated that there is “nothing” to the idea that TBS or TNT are the destination for the Monday Night show. It is expected that whoever secures the rights for the flagship show will be paying around $387 million per year.
Executives Miss WWE Raw To Negotiate Broadcast Future
The Monday Night show saw some notable absences for the November 27th broadcast, which focused on the fallout from Survivor Series. It was noted that along with Nick Khan, Triple H was also not present at the WWE Raw taping.