A lot can happen in a few days in the wrestling industry. A couple of totally different stories, from totally different sources, could form the early beginning of WWE Network becoming closer to being the Netflix of wrestling, if reports prove to be accurate (and one of them is 100%). Sinclair Broadcasting could soon be in the position to help WWE Network acquire the catalogues of both Ring of Honor and TNA for their Network. As of now, only one of these reports is confirmed true (more on that below). The rest is merely speculation and wishful thinking on my part. But follow with me. It might not be as crazy as it sound.
Sinclair Broadcasting Could Greatly Expand WWE Network Catalogue
The first story popped up on April 24, when it was reported on Live Audio Wrestling Radio that one of the three final bidders as investors for TNA was a TV based company. Early speculations are that that group just may be Maryland-based telecommunications company Sinclair Broadcasting. Sinclair had apparently made a bid way back in January, but it was rejected as somewhat of a low ball offer. They key word is apparently. If this last minute third candidate is indeed Sinclair Broadcasting, they’ve come back with a more substantial offer. The rumoured leading contender also apparently would keep on Aroluxe on as the production company. Aroluxe is the company run by the Harris Twins (Ron & Don) who have already been helping out with funding and production of TNA Impact for months now. Not to mention they’re also considered to be in the ownership bid. But the interesting thing is that Aroluxe’s CEO is David Johnson had a prior career for 11 years working for Ring of Honor. If Ring of Honor assumed ownership, it would be beneficial for both teams to work with each other. Aroluxe could assist in the production of ROH as well (which also may explain the new ring sets that recently debuted in Ring of Honor).
What makes it more interesting, is the words that were spoken by Ring of Honor COO Joe Koff on April 27, as the guest on Jim Ross‘ podcast, The Ross Report. When discussing the possibility of Ring of Honor working with WWE, in a similar fashion to recent agreements with EVOLVE, Progress and Revolution Pro, Koff said:
“If they think that we’re strong enough to be considered to be part of their plan, I would certainly be open to it. I’m not sure how that would work and I’m not sure that that’s something they’re open to.”
Now let’s just pretend that all the reports in the first part of this equation are accurate. Now let’s consider the words of Koff to JR. What would this do to the wrestling landscape if Ring of Honor and TNA, under the new ownership of Sinclair Broadcasting, became part of the WWE’s “plan” ?
It would suddenly give the WWE full access to the entire back catalogues of both Ring of Honor and TNA. The possibility of even airing PPVS live on the Network aside, these two catalogues are vital components for the WWE Universe in the history of their emerging stars. Much like owning the catalogues of AWA, WCCW, WCW, ECW, Mid-South, Stampede, and other territories was essential in telling the full stories of their stars from the 1970’s to the 1990’s, much of their current or future crop’s backgrounds came from two of three promotions: TNA or Ring of Honor. While it is unlikely that they will acquire NJPW‘s catalogue anytime soon, but Sinclair owning TNA and Ring of Honor could be huge if WWE does indeed develop a working agreement with Ring of Honor. Like Meatloaf says, “2 out of 3 ain’t bad.”
These two catalogues will provide YEARS of matches for such emerging Superstars like Seth Rollins (as Tyler Black), Sami Zayn (El Generico), Kevin Owens (Steen), AJ Styles, Austin Aries, Samoa Joe, Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows, Cesaro (Claudio Castagnoli), Tomassa Ciampa, Luke Harper (Brodie Lee) and more. It would give them access to more matches for career completing collections for Kurt Angle, CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, Styles, Christian, Sting, The Dudley Boyz and The Hardys (although Jeff Jarrett or Raven may be pushing it).
Much like EVOLVE and the rest of the WNN brands, Sinclair’s two brands would still be run independently of WWE. They would still be their own unique promotions, telling the same stories and signing the same talent they always did. These working agreements would just ensure that more of the best talent in the nation’s indie circuit had a better shot at being recognized by WWE (and NXT), as their promoters would be talent assessors for WWE for their own brand. And here’s another possible connection – WNN is run by Gabe Sapolsky, one of the founders of Ring of Honor. He seems to be enjoying his agreement with WWE and he could be planting the seeds of possibility in Koff’s ear. Not to mention that one of Ring of Honor’s long standing stars, Jimmy Jacobs, has been working in WWE creative since March of 2015.
Now again, this is all speculation on the author’s part, playing a little Columbo with the reports – both industry and Ross. But there’s a least a little more smoke than normal to this story. But the real question everyone is probably asking themselves is whether or not this alliance would be a good thing or a bad thing.
The answer is it could make pro wrestling the healthiest it’s been and continue to be for everyone involved.
It would be akin to pro hockey. The WWE is the NHL. It is the pinnacle of the sport globally. Whether it’s the best representation of the technical aspect, it’s the one most globally recognized that pays the most (on average). The rest of the leagues below the NHL don’t try and compete with the NHL. They know their place in the food chain. From the OHL to AHL, each league understands its role in the development of the talent, from their earliest years (local indies) to semi-pro (EVOLVE, Progress) to international technique (Ring of Honor) to approaching television (TNA). And with each promotion realizing that they will have short careers with their best talent, so will actively scout and recruit harder to ensure their own roster is replenished with new stars – something Ring of Honor has excelled at for over a decade. And the cream will rise faster than ever before. Because now, for the first time in decades, the WWE is looking towards the territories.
But this time, instead of going to war with the monster, the territories will became the war cabinet of Vince McMahon instead of being listed amongst his conquered.
Sinclair Broadcast Group logo from sbgi.net
