It’s a new era for WWE now that they’re under the umbrella of TKO Holdings, and Ari Emanuel wants the product to remain fluid.
WWE Raw has established itself as a staple for Monday nights for over 30 years now, but in a new conversation with Bloomberg, Ari Emanuel noted that the red brand, along with NXT, are looking for a new TV deal at the end of 2024. Not only that, but WWE’s deal with Peacock ends in 2026. It leaves WWE open for plenty of options and Emanuel makes clear that the pro wrestling product is flexible.
“You cannot undervalue the WWE and UFC for the following reasons: One, we do not have a season. One of the biggest issues that will happen with s-mods and networks is churn. We’re 52 weeks a year, right? And we’re flexible. You want us Thursday night? You want us Tuesday night? I don’t have any of those scheduling issues and that churn issue because we’re the full year.
“It’s so much different than any other sport because then people churn out. That’s one of the issues with sports. Not in a bad way… and then the package is over and then you leave. We do not have that. Our fans are loyal, they stick around and they move.”
Ari Emanuel May Run TKO, But Triple H Runs WWE Creative
Ari Emanuel clearly has big plans for WWE and this new era under TKO is off on the right foot as the company continues to expand. WWE SmackDown will be moving to USA Network at the end of 2024 and the on-air product will continue to develop as well because reports say that Triple H is basically back to operating 99.9% of creative, creating a big “morale boost” over recent weeks.
Please credit Bloomsberg Screentime conference and h/t POST Wrestling for the transcription.
As part of the November 7th Q3 investors call, Ari Emanuel has given an update as to what the next steps are in securing a new media rights deal for WWE Raw.