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Sarah: 8 WWE Superstars Who Could Benefit From Joining AEW

With all the discussion of creative differences, and a seemingly greener pasture available; Sarah brings us her Top 8 WWE names that might benefit from some new scenery!

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With all the discussion of creative differences, and a seemingly greener pasture available; Sarah brings us her Top 8 WWE names that might benefit from some new scenery!

AEW’s Double or Nothing PPV is in the books, and what a statement the flourishing company has made in pro wrestling.  From stellar matches to shocking debuts, AEW has the hype that will take the company through 2019 and beyond.

AEW’s success looms to be a legitimate threat to WWE, who has seen declining rating and unhappy Superstars in addition to that.  Fans crave an alternative that reminds them of why they love pro wrestling in the first place.  While WWE has been complacent at best, AEW delivered on that promise to bring something new to the table.

Following Double or Nothing, many fans are speculating as to what could happen next with the company.  The Emancipation of Jox Moxley episode from Talk is Jericho undoubtedly raises more speculation among fans.  The former Dean Ambrose was one of WWE’s top stars whose unhappiness led to depression and a dying love for the sport that initially saved him.

One of the quotes that stands out from Double or Nothing speaks so many volumes, “Prepare Yourself For a New Standard”.  What was once thought impossible has been realized, and with the talent, masterminds, and legit financial backing that makes up AEW, this movement revitalizes hope and new life into pro wrestling.

With those realizations on top of Moxley’s epiphanies comes the idea that other WWE Superstars will perhaps follow his footsteps in due time.  More and more Superstars have been reported to be unhappy.  Backstage reports of “hush money” add to the stress of those whose dreams of performing in the ring are unassumingly dashed.

While us analysts could more than likely write a book on who should leave the company for new opportunities in AEW is an understatement.  Mapping out who could use the opportunities the most, while debatable, fans know these talents deserve better.  If Moxley’s podcast was anything to go by, then it poses a much bigger problem with those who barely get TV time at all.

Veterans such as Dolph Ziggler would be a great addition to the AEW roster.  After his feud concludes with WWE Champion Kofi Kingston, what is next for the former WWE Champion?  Ziggler is considered one of WWE’s most underrated Superstars.  Ziggler’s contract reports and his time off of TV alludes to doing different things once his WWE career is over.

Asuka has been the victim of WWE’s poor booking since joining the main roster.  The once-unstoppable Empress of Tomorrow has suffered meaningless losses and fell victim in the cusp of Charlotte Flair favoritism.  Her SmackDown Women’s Championship loss to Flair has many fans giving up hope on the Japanese powerhouse, she has yet to invoke her rematch clause.  However being paired with Kairi Sane isn’t a bad idea, but Asuka has yet to recover from the booking mishap of the Championship.

The team of Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson really goes without saying.  The former Bullet Club members saw bits and pieces of success, but nothing long-term.  The former WWE Raw Tag Team Champions are popular among fans, thanks to their huge success in NJPW.

EC3 has come a long way from his initial NXT days as Derrick Bateman.  He went on to perfect his skills and character in TNA, being able to transform himself into a bigger name like Drew McIntyre did.  However his main roster transition has been tragic.  His WWE career is on the edge of dying just as fast as he started back.

Again, while debatable, these 8 WWE Superstars could use some revitalization.  This is no fault of their own, but victims of careless booking and being lost in the shuffle has proven detrimental for them.

 

1.  Luke Harper

Photo: WWE

Back in April, Harper announced via Twitter that he would be requesting his release from WWE.  However, it was reported that his release was denied in addition to his contract being extended due to time off from injury.

Harper saw moderate success as being 1/3 of The Wyatt Family.  As Bray Wyatt’s right hand man, Harper stood out due to his size and his ring skills.  Harper’s character fit right in with the Wyatt Family, looking as if he came straight out of the swamp lands.

Harper also enjoyed solo success, gaining the Intercontinental Championship for a short time in 2014.  After The Wyatt Family disbanded, Harper and third member Erick Rowan struggled to stay a force in the Tag Team Division.  There was hope with the team when they were rebranded as the Bludgeon Brothers.  Harper and Rowan’s new attitude escalated them to be top contenders for the WWE Tag Team Championships.

Photo: WWE

Their Championship reign was cut short due to Rowan suffering a bicep injury.  The Bludgeon Brothers faded out with Harper lost in the shuffle.  Harper could be considered underrated due to unfortunate incidences, however he rose to the occasion when called upon.  Now that Rowan has a new role with Daniel Bryan, Harper finds himself at a crossroads.  Perhaps AEW is in his future.

 

2.  Shelton Benjamin

Photo: WWE

This super-talented WWE veteran is one of the most underrated Superstars in WWE history.  A true craftsman in pro wrestling, Benjamin has had his share of history-making moments from his time in the Tag Team Division as a part of Team Angle to the first Money in the Bank matches.

His return to the company received hype-filled vignettes, only for him to enjoy little success.  His teaming up with Chad Gable brought them several opportunities to win the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship.  The team was never able to capture the Championships.

Photo: WWE

Benjamin has made sporadic appearances on SmackDown and Raw since then, however nothing has materialized into a sufficient storyline.  Benjamin’s experience from WWE and NJPW would be beneficial should he ever make the jump to AEW.  This fan will take Benjamin vs. Kenny Omega.

 

3.  Rusev

Photo: WWE

Rusev and Lana both have expressed their frustration and unhappiness with the company for quite some time now.  One could speculate that the power couple will soon be the latest to head out of WWE for better opportunities.

Rusev started off strong, just like others before him in the past.  His ruthless style was feared, deeming him unstoppable.  His feud with John Cena back in 2015 was a sign that big things were ahead from the Bulgarian Brute.  After a failed stint with the League of Nations, Rusev found a light at the end of the tunnel with his “Rusev Day” catchphrase in 2017.

As soon as it started, the Rusev Day phenomenon ended.  Since then, Rusev has struggled to get the TV time that he used to get.  Of course, Rusev has been utilized more than others that will be mentioned in this blog.  However, nothing has seemed to click for the promising Superstar.  He has recently been teaming with Shinsuke Nakamura, though the team hasn’t found any kind of success.

Photo: WWE

Rusev has shown different sides to his character over time, and that means that he can adapt and is versatile.  AEW could benefit from a powerhouse such as Rusev, who has proven he can get over as both a good guy and a bad guy.  The talent is there, but the real scenario is keeping the focus on him once something clicks.  It seems that WWE gives up on Rusev before it really gets started.

 

4.  Dana Brooke

Photo: WWE

Dana Brooke may have found herself in a more prominent role recently thanks to the Sasha Banks sabbatical.  However, Brooke has been one of the Superstars in the Women’s Division who has expressed to have more opportunities.

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Brooke’s gymnastics background certainly helps her stand out among the other Superstars in the Women’s Division.  And while she has taken part in the Women’s Royal Rumble and Money in the Bank matches, Brooke hasn’t tasted success.

Brooke certainly has room for improvement.  Working with AEW’s Women’s Division could help her grow into a better-rounded wrestler.  A change of scenery could help Brooke out as well, helping her find a better fit for her character and reinventing herself along the way.

 

5.  Tyler Breeze

Photo: WWE

Prince Pretty was a mainstay on NXT before coming onto the main roster.  Breeze did enjoy some success as one-half of Breezango.  However, Breeze has been lost in the shuffle on SmackDown, which would lead fans to forget how great this talent is.

Breeze has recently made his return to NXT, where he took part in NXT Takeover: XXV.  He took on NXT North American Champion Velveteen Dream in what was a great showing.  Breeze has also altered his look, which can help him in this transition.

Photo: WWE

An arrogant male model who loved taking selfies, Breeze was over in NXT and was the one who could be depended on to carry out a strong match.  A highlight for Breeze was being the opponent for the legendary Jushin “Thunder” Liger.  Unfortunately having a gimmick such as the model would set up for some comedic relief backstage.  Breeze is entertaining for sure, but he can also put on a performance in the ring.

His connection with the former Tye Dillinger would be a key to AEW.  The two have opened a wrestling school together recently, which will more than likely open some doors in the future.  His growing experience will certainly help post-WWE should Breeze decide to take his talents elsewhere.

 

6.  Shinsuke Nakamura

Photo: WWE

After listening to the Emancipation of Jon Moxley, Nakamura was the first Superstar I thought of afterwards.  It has been reported that Nakamura has been unhappy with the company.  Considering his success in NJPW and worldwide reputation, it is no surprise that Nakamura would be in that predicament.

WWE fans got a tease of what Nakamura could do with his feud against AJ Styles.  Their feud in NJPW was something many fans caught onto prior to Styles’ shocking move to WWE.  Nakamura’s wrestling style doesn’t compare to what WWE likes to do and it shows.  Nakamura is extremely versatile in the ring in addition to his larger than life character.

Nakamura is a rock star, and it is anything but in WWE.  More than likely Nakamura will return to NJPW in the future, but it doesn’t rule out an AEW appearance as well.  AEW would be breaking new ground for him whereas NJPW will be what Nakamura is used to.  Moxley’s impending NJPW dates opens way for Nakamura to explore those options post-WWE.

 

7.  Mickie James

Photo: WWE

If the AEW Women’s Division could benefit from a veteran wrestler, look no further than Mickie James.

James’ career highlights include being a six-time WWE Women’s Champion in addition to being one of the trailblazers for the Women’s Evolution.  James’ characters are nothing short of crossing the lines, and AEW fits that bill.  With James’ insatiable charisma and talent, seeing her lock up with those such as Britt Baker and Kylie Rae would be highlights.

James’ time in WWE this go-round has established Alexa Bliss as one of the roster’s top Superstars.  James was a prominent factor for both Bliss and Becky Lynch with the first SmackDown Women’s Main event and establishing the SmackDown Women’s Championship.  Meaning, her run with WWE has not been a waste.

James has proven her worth in WWE, and perhaps she isn’t finished in the square circle just yet.

 

8.  Apollo Crews

Photo: WWE

Apollo Crews is insanely talented, but most fans wouldn’t know that thanks to his sparingly use on WWE TV.  A promising talent, Crews didn’t spend much time in NXT.  His quick transition to the main roster has proven almost fatal with nothing to back up the hype of this up and comer.

Crews would be one of the top candidates that possibly could reinvent himself in AEW.  As the former Uhaa Nation, Crews carried a reputation that wowed audiences with his agile move set.  His time in WWE has done him no favors, but his jumping ship elsewhere would mean everything to a growing AEW.

Photo: WWE

Crews doesn’t lack in the talent department at all, however he could be better utilized.  A potential powerhouse, Crews’ talent knows no limits when used properly.  Becoming an afterthought is what he doesn’t need, because Crews deserves much better than what he’s getting in WWE.


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Opinion

Greg DeMarco’s 2024 WWE Royal Rumble Reaction

It’s the Royal Rumble! A favorite of many fans, the Rumble kicks off the Road To WrestleMania. Greg DeMarco is here with his live reactions to the event!

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WWE Royal Rumble 2024 Results

It’s the Royal Rumble! A favorite of many fans, the Rumble kicks off the Road To WrestleMania. Greg DeMarco is here with his live reactions to the event!

The WWE Royal Rumble is upon us, and while the Men’s Royal Rumble Match isn’t for the World Heavyweight Championship like I suggested, it’s still the most anticipated event of the year.

Why? The Unknown.

That’s right–in this age of the internet (usually incorrectly) telling us everything it possibly can about what is going to happen in the world of wrestling, the Royal Rumble stands out because despite what we’re told (or, more importantly, what we choose to listen to), the event is always full of fun and surprises.


Check out Steven Mitchell’s 2024 WWE Royal Rumble Results & Review!


Women’s Royal Rumble Match

  • They really are driving home the “main event WrestleMania” point this year–strengthens my thought that women will main event Night 1. Triple H would catch a ton of heat if he keeps women out for the third straight year.
  • NAOMI! Good to see her back, and the emotional response she had.
  • Love Michael Cole calling out Naomi’s time in TNA, and recognizing her as a former Knockouts Champion.
  • Entering #3 doesn’t bode well for Bayley. I honestly don’t think she is gonna win.
  • JORDYNNE GRACE! I saw the reports earlier today. This is a much bigger deal than Mickie James, because Mickie was a returning legend.
  • “TNA HAS A WEAPON!” So glad to have Pat McAfee on the call.
  • Honestly, Jordynne Grace belongs in WWE.

  • Asuka comes in, and they sell the surprise of Bayley. STORYTELLING, people!
  • Something tells me when we get Kairi Sane in there, The Kabuki Warriors will eliminate Bayley.
  • Ivy Nile enters, and I immediately want to see her go toe-to-toe with Jordynne Grace.
  • What if they pulled some crazy sh*t and had Jordynne Grace win???
  • Just step through the ropes next time, Bianca.
  • When I first saw the C4 clock, I thought I would get tired of it But I am already used to it.
  • Here’s Kairi Sane, time to set the plan into motion!
  • This crowd does not appear to like Tegan Nox.
  • Welp, there goes my idea o Asuka and Kairi eliminating Bayley.
  • That was a hell of a way for Jordynne Grace to go out.

  • I think Michael Cole secretly loves to call a Meteora.
  • There’s a reason Maxxine Dupri doesn’t wrestle much.
  • That tandem Code Red was very Young Buckish. And that’s not a compliment.
  • Hair,…gear…this might be the messiest Royal Rumble yet.
  • Ah, here comes the winner, Becky Lynch (I am calling Becky eliminates Bayley to win her second Royal Rumble).
  • LOVE the scoreboard of time in the Rumble for selected wrestlers.

  • R-TRUTH?!?! (Funny story, it was Truth’s spot that Nia Jax took in 2019.)
  • If you push Mia Yim, she’ll take it further than you could imagine.
  • “How is everybody the most athletic person on Earth?” – Pat McAfee
  • Surprising that Roxanne Perez, at #27, is the first NXT entrant. I don’t think we’ll be seeing Tiffany Stratton of Blair Davenport since we only have 3 more to come.
  • Amazing reaction for Jade Cargill. Give her time, she’s definitely going to be a huge star.
  • JUST GIVE HER TIME.
  • Seriously, Nia Jax had to help Jade eliminate her–A LOT.

  • Greg Was Wrong: It is indeed Tiffy Time in the Royal Rumble.
  • Back to Jade–she is insanely over.
  • I know it won’t be, but this should be Tiffany Stratton’s official main roster call-up.
  • Liv Morgan returns at #30, and good for Liv. She nearly went wire-to-wire last year.
  • Liv Morgan: “Thank you!” Pat McAfee: “No problem.”
  • Tiffany Stratton eliminating Roxanne Perez is, to me, an invitation for a match with them on Raw this Monday.
  • Still love the scoreboard as Naomi passes an hour.
  • The camera is catching a lot of in-ring communications right now.
  • And Jade Cargill eliminates my pick to win. Bye Becky.
  • Jade Cargill in the final three of the Royal Rumble (with Liv Morgan and Bayley) is huge for her.
  • Hell of a debut for Jade Cargill.
  • And a huge win for Bayley.

Winner of the 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble Match: Bayley (eliminating Liv Morgan to win)

Fatal 4-Way Match for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Randy Orton vs AJ Styles vs. LA Knight vs. Roman Reigns (champion, with Paul Heyman)

  • Glad to see AJ Styles got his tights back. Pants AJ Styles (but still with the football gloves) was not working. Not just bring the beard back to your face Allen–the think beard also ain’t working.

  • Pat McAfee campaigning for Roman Reigns to be given at least a 26% chance is amazing.
  • Say what you want about LA Knight, he’s a damn star and totally belongs in this match.
  • Roman completely sandbagged Randy on the table drop. I don’t think it was on purpose, but he definitely didn’t jump.
  • Roman Reigns is very much like Gunther in that he does the simple things SO WELL, like a jumping clothesline. That’s how you do it.
  • Yes, I compared Roman Reigns to Gunther. Don’t @ me, I’m right.

  • RKO City, Bitch.
  • Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand here’s Solo! (At some point, Solo will get tired of saving Roman’s ass.)
  • Solo ’bout to go through that barricade.
  • Solo indeed went through that barricade.

  • Yes, we had the Solo interference mid-match, but honestly in the end Roman won that clean.

Winner, #ANDSTILL your Undisputed WWE Universal Champion: Roman Reigns

WWE United States Championship: Kevin Owens vs. Logan Paul (champion)

  • Kevin Owens wearing Zubaz shorts in the Performance Center fight makes me very happy.
  • Logan Paul talking about a full time run, and now he’s putting on size.
  • Logan’s headband didn’t list very long.
  • I honestly hate it when modern-day wrestlers bust out a crotch chop.
  • If you were watching the Royal Rumble and didn’t know who Logan Paul was, you’d just assume he was a pro wrestler. That says everything you need to know about how good he is at this.
  • ANOTHER crotch chop. Now we’re at 2 too many.

  • Cue the “Better Buckshot Than Hangman” tweets. But they might be right.
  • I love the idea of a Logan Paul, Austin Theory, and Grayson Waller stable.
  • C’mon, there’s NO WAY Ryan Tran could see the knucks on Kevin Owens’ hand given his placement. It’s the little things.
  • Finish here tells me we’ll see KO vs. Logan Paul again. I’d guess on TV, if not in Australia.

Winner by disqualification, #ANDSTILL WWE United States Champion: Logan Paul

Men’s Royal Rumble Match

  • Jey Uso coming at #1 was expected thanks to the internet reports. But I still think Jimmy should be #1 and Jey #2, for the reaction shots on Jimmy.
  • Grayson Waller talking himself to the ring is perfect.
  • “No Yeet!” Grayson is a brilliant performer. I’d make a Roddy Piper comparison here, but y’all would get at mad at me.
  • Good to have Andrade back in WWE. Great reaction for him when the mask came off.

  • SmackDown superstar Carmelo Hayes! I really really really hope Trick is also in this match, just for the chants.
  • Melo pointed to the sign, C’mon, man.
  • Do you send Andrade to Smackdown, or do you send him to Raw and let him do his own thing?
  • Oh goody, Karrion Kross is here. Yay.
  • (Yes, that’s sarcasm you read.)
  • Dominik Mysterio is so good. Give him time, he’s going to be a huge star.

  • The Royal Rumble was a great place for the Apple Spot.
  • Here comes Bob Lashley–please just eliminate Karrion Kross.
  • Lashley wearing the WrestleMania white gear more than 2 months early.
  • Austin Theory still gets his concussion effect entrance, despite it being the Rumble.
  • What if–hear me out now–Finn Balor wins the Royal Rumble to get the shot at Seth Rollins, and Priest uses his briefcase to make that match a triple threat at ‘Mania?
  • I know he didn’t, but it sure looked like Jimmy was swerving while he drives in that interaction with Gunther.
  • Kofi did tell us the Rumble Magic wasn’t happening anymore.
  • Give me Ivar vs Gunther!
  • Bron Breakker is a star. It’s inevitable.
  • Of course Omos would be in the Rumble. Good to see MVP on my TV as well.
  • “I didn’t know humans came that big!” – Pat McAfee
  • I half think Pat McAfee didn’t know he was entering the Rumble.
  • Nice moment for Bron Breakker eliminating Omos. WrestleMania match?
  • R-Truth trying to get Dominik (Tom or Nick?) Mysterio to tag him in is brilliant.
  • DOM MADE THE TAG!!!
  • “And now R-Truth is the legal man.” – thank you Michael Cole.
  • Michael Cole delivers multiple TNA references tonight, along with a Dolph Ziggler reference. God Bless Michael Cole.
  • Imagine for a second that this was CM Punk’s actual WWE return.
  • The reaction to Drew McIntyre’s entrance is a reminder that they don’t actually need him.
  • Sami Zayn enters at #30, also known as “Not The Rock.”

  • In the ring, Drew McIntyre is amazing. Just keep the microphone away from him. (And stop the damn counting!)
  • And there goes my choice for the Men’s Rumble!
  • Love having both Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins in the press boxes watching to see who wins.
  • Punk kinda looks like Chris Jericho in there. Seriously.
  • Between Punk and Cody, Cody is the right choice. I really don’t want to watch Punk right now–he needs to hit the cardio, and hard. Given Seth Rollins’ injury and Punk’s conditioning, WWE would be smart to make the World Heavyweight Championship match at WrestleMania 40 a multi-man match.

Winner of the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble: Cody Rhodes


Overall thoughts on the 2024 WWE Royal Rumble

For at least the second straight year, the Men’s Royal Rumble Match was kinda disappointing. Not the result–that’s fine. But the match itself. It just wasn’t nearly as exciting as the Women’s. Of the four matches, I would place it 4th in terms of enjoyment.

Great moments for both Bayley and Cody Rhodes. Logan Paul continually shows that he deserves to be considered a pro wrestler, not a celebrity who is wrestling. Pat McAfee is a joy on commentary. Jordynne Grace is a WWE Superstar, regardless of what company she is signed to. Bron Breakker is a star.CM Punk is very out of shape. Cody Rhodes is about to become THE guy, and he deserves it.

Overall I give the event a thumbs up, but they have to do something about the Men’s Royal Rumble Match moving forward.


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WWE Raw Heads To Netflix: What Does It Mean?

Monumental news drops as WWE RAW is moving to Netflix. Is it truly a game changing move? Greg DeMarco analyzes this shift for the TV wrestling business.

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WWE Logo Metalic

Monumental news drops as WWE RAW is moving to Netflix. Is it truly a game changing move? Greg DeMarco analyzes this shift for the TV wrestling business.

Being a wee little kid in the 80s, I am “lucky enough” to remember having 3 TV channels, and my dad explaining what an 8-track is, how shocked I was when I say a laser disc for the first time, when I bought a 6 CD changer, installed my own car stereo, and all the way up to the fact that I have now been watching WWE pay-per-view/premium live events on the WWE Network and Peacock for 10 years. Hell, in the same month (February 2014) I signed up for the WWE Network, cut the cord to drop cable and got Sling TV. I have since moved onto YouTube TV which is highly recommended.

Over the last two years the NFL has put Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime, simulcast to various streaming services, and less than 2 weeks ago put a playoff game exclusively on streaming when a Wildcard Weekend showdown between the Chiefs and Dolphins was only shown on Peacock.

And now it’s fully permeated into pro wrestling.

WWE and AEW are both in the midst of a very important time on the business side, with all of their TV rights up for grabs. The first domino fell when SmackDown On FOX became SmackDown on USA Network, and soon after we learned that WWE NXT was moving to broadcast television and joining The CW (which is also rebranding, but just to CW).

The AEW suite of programming that includes Collision, Rampage, and their most successful show Dynamite is up for renewal with Warner Bros/Discovery, and Tony Khan has been optimistic about the relationship and potentially an increase in rights fees.

That brings us to Tuesday morning, and the likely groundbreaking WWE announcement that Raw is moving to Netflix, starting in January 2025. Triple H tweeted that they’re changing the game, and TKO President and COO Mark Shapiro (who knows a thing or two about shifts in media consumption) used the word “transformative” in his statement, and I really think he couldn’t be more right.

But what does it all mean?

Wrestling Remains A Strong Media Product

I have been claiming this for over a year now. As many online will cite a decline in TV viewership for both WWE and AEW, the TV product has been a strong value to networks. Even in dropping SmackDown, FOX themselves said they didn’t pump enough resources into the show, and that the advertising return wasn’t what they wanted. That doesn’t mean the product (TV value, we’re not talking about creative here) isn’t strong. It’s so strong that USA Network picked up SmackDown for $280 million per year, giving WWE an increase over the FOX deal. CW is paying $20-$25 million annually for NXT, and now Netflix is paying $500 million for RAW.

Why? Because wrestling isn’t just a strong media product, it’s consistent. And that is key.

Look at this quote from Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria:

“Raw is the best of sports entertainment, blending great characters and storytelling with live action 52 weeks a year and we’re thrilled to be in this long-term partnership with WWE.”

Now cross reference that with a comment from CW President Dennis Miller from back when the CW/NXT deal was announced:

“We are thrilled to welcome the WWE brand into the CW Sports portfolio as they play an integral role in our mission to bring live sporting events to the network year-round.”

What do those statements have in common? The year-round, 52-week nature of wrestling programming. It’s an unbeatable value for networks. It’s cheaper than a deal with a major sports league, and it’s not finite. Wrestling joins news, talk, and sports talk as the only year-round programming available to networks. And WWE and AEW have shows that essentially always land in the Top 5 after you factor out live sports. You can’t beat it.

What Does This Mean for Netflix?

Don’t get it twisted, this is also a huge leap for Netflix. Prior to the WWE Raw deal, Netflix has only experimented with live events, streaming the live Chris Rock “Selective Outrage” special, and showing The Netflix Cup live (a golf event featuring athletes from their F1 series “Drive To Survive” and their golf series “Full Swing).

WWE is the perfect partner for Netflix as it gets into live programming. It’s sports entertainment: sports like programming (which Netflix has done) that focuses on storytelling (which Netflix has obviously done). And no one does it better than WWE. It’s essentially plug-and-play for Netflix, the perfect solution for their live programming aspirations.

The perfect solution that they were willing to pay $5 billion for.

What Does This Mean for AEW?

The biggest risk to an AEW renewal with Warner Bros Discovery was WBD picking up WWE Raw–and that risk has been eliminated by Netflix. Don’t discount that fact–Netflix did Tony Khan a huge favor by throwing $500 million per at WWE. The path is clear for AEW to remain on the Turner networks.

But at what price?

I know I usually write as if I have all the answers, but I have zero idea either way on this one. WBD no longer has any other options if it wants to keep wrestling (except for TNA, who recently expressed a desire to be on a bigger network), and AEW (at least, Dynamite) is a weekly Top 5 program for them on Wednesdays, on cable.

On the other hand, AEW doesn’t exactly have another network begging for their services. The reason WWE could get a yearly increase for Raw, SmackDown, and NXT is because it was truly a bidding war. Unless Tony Khan gets another network involved, any threat of walking away from a deal doesn’t really hold water.

So if I were a betting man (and who would ever bet on this) I would expect an announcement of a renewal for AEW and WBD relatively soon. We may not know the terms of the deal, I will take a shot in the dark and say that AEW gets a small increase (not the “nearly double” that had been reported last year).

Regardless of the increase (or not), given AEW’s recent attendance challenges, this likely renewal would have to be viewed as a win for the company.


Personally, this is simply an amazing time to be a fan. We’ve seen WWE go from one live TV show per week with Monday Night Raw, through the Monday Night Wars, the addition of SmackDown and later NXT, to being this global juggernaut that is commanding half-a-billion dollars per year for Raw. I also think this makes Raw the flagship once again. All of this comes after Vince McMahon is largely out of power, Triple H has taken over creative (and holds a pretty good success rate so far), and the company was sold to Endeavor, and merged with the UFC as a business entity under the TKO banner.

If you know me, you know I am a huge follower of the business side of the wrestling business. I often care less about WHAT wrestling companies do, but HOW they do it. I have always gravitated towards that, since middle school. And for the past near 24 months, I have been like a kid in a candy store.

The Peacock deal for the WWE Network runs out in 2026, right? The fun never stops!


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