All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has officially announced their TV Deal as early this morning eastern time at the WarnerMedia UpFronts that the “New Wrestling League” led by Founder and CEO Tony Khan would be on the TNT channel later this year. As well as joining TNT this coming October in a weekly television format, they’ll be using TimeWarner’s Bleacher Report Live (B/R Live) for their PPV platform.
Breaking News – @AEWrestling to air on @TNTDrama #AEW pic.twitter.com/movdS7UKgk
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 15, 2019
What everyone has wondered has officially become true, as TNT is returning to the pro wrestling scene for the first time since March 26, 2001 when WCW aired its last episode before going under. A company that now brings six-time world champion Chris Jericho and The Elite as their main stars is sure to bring eyes to the network which is exactly what this deal is great for both sides.
“Congrats to @allelitewrestling for signing a HUGE television contract w @tntdrama & @warnermediagroup! But don’t forget why this monumental TV deal was signed…” – @IAmJericho#AEW #AEWDoN #AEWonTNT pic.twitter.com/IU18nRGY0J
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 15, 2019
As said in the press release, “WarnerMedia will provide exclusive multi-platform access for fans to watch AEW events, airing live weekly matches on TNT in prime time, as well as streaming them through WarnerMedia’s B/R Live and on pay-per-view.” A live television show is in the works and will be the alternative to the WWE in a whole new way. The ability to stream the TV shows through B/R Live provides AEW with the ability to reach fans in more ways than just cable which only helps the product.
https://twitter.com/MattJackson13/status/1128647701141151744
For those who may not know, TNT is one of the largest viewed cable networks in the United States. As of March 2019, it ranks 7th per Statistica in number of daily viewers on cable. Much of their top views come through NBA games on Tuesdays and Thursdays as well as the playoffs. The addition of AEW is sure to help their views overall. As of February 2015, TNT was in 95.3 million homes in the US, which goes to the amount of 81.9% of homes with at least one television.
AEW on TNT pic.twitter.com/4OvDUtonQK
— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) May 15, 2019
The way WarnerMedia introduced AEW as a more sports oriented pro wrestling company. “Focused on producing fast-paced, high-impact competitions, AEW offers fans less scripted, soapy drama, and more athleticism and real sports analytics, bringing a legitimacy to wrestling that it has not previously had” said the Press Release. CEO Tony Khan would also add, “AEW is about more than wrestling. It’s about a movement fueled by wrestling fans who have been under-served and perhaps even disappointed by the industry in recent years.”
We’re back in the wrestling business! #AEW @AEWrestling pic.twitter.com/1DVRLRdQgd
— TNT Drama (@tntdrama) May 15, 2019
The first part of their partnership will show on May 25, when Double or Nothing is made available on B/R Live as the exclusive digital streaming partner in the United States for the show with The Buy-In preshow streaming on WarnerMedia and AEW’s social channels.
Later this year we’re introducing some real superheroes with a new live franchise: All Elite Wrestling #AEW – a brand-new league – with a new style and a new generation of talent. pic.twitter.com/Vdc3nS1H6u
— TNT Drama (@tntdrama) May 15, 2019
As one company begins to falter in the ratings, AEW brings a lot of hope for pro wrestling and its fans who can only be excited for this brand-new partnership. Kenny Omega and The Elite has said they would “Change The World”. It sure looks like they are on their way.
We’re back in the T-shirt business. https://t.co/4sAohd3wtG
— Kenny Omega (@KennyOmegamanX) May 15, 2019
Stay tuned to the Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world, as well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world.
