More On Possible AEW TV Deal, AEW Weekly TV Show Not Airing Year Round To Be More Wrestler-Friendly?

As noted, Twitter insider @fightoracle reported that WarnerMedia/Turner Sports (TNT, TBS) was set to present All Elite Wrestling to advertisers at their 2019 Upfronts presentation on Wednesday, May 15 in New York City. This report came after it was recently stated by AEW announcer Jim Ross that AEW was close to signing with a network that many people have access to.

The Wrap now reports that Turner is in advanced talks with AEW for a weekly TV show that would likely air on TNT. It was noted that the deal is “definitely not signed” and the talks are “pretty complex” but “not imminent.” It is not a sure thing that AEW will be presented at the Upfronts.

The potential deal would see a weekly AEW TV series air on TNT, but AEW would also have a multi-platform existence. The Wrap noted that Turner’s Bleacher Report Live platform would be “the most sensible outpost for the sports entertainment overflow.”

It’s also possible that the AEW TV show would not be year-round, indicating that the promotion may have plans for an off-season. The Wrap noted, “That would likely be a combination of the newness of the league and its desire to be more wrestler-friendly than rival WWE, which has a punishing schedule for talent.”

The Wrap also reported that AEW’s first big event, Double Or Nothing on May 25 from Las Vegas, is set to stream on YouTube, Twitter and Facebook. It sounds like that could change as a streaming deal with a network is announced.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

AEW’s Rumored New Television Home

Warner Media Group, which operates Turner Sports (TBS, TNT), will reportedly be presenting AEW at their upfronts to advertisers next month, per the @fightoracle insider account, which bears an uncanny resemblance to MMA insider Front Row Brian’s now-suspended Twitter account.

Upfronts are where major television networks make presentations and preview their upcoming fall and midseason shows so that advertisers can purchase commercials on them ahead of time. The upfronts are held in the third week of May in New York, and Warner Media are currently scheduled to present on May 15th.

https://twitter.com/fightoracle/status/1116120237844332544

As we previously reported, WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross, who signed a three-year deal with AEW earlier this month, recently told WFAN Radio in New York City that AEW will have a weekly two-hour live TV show that premieres in October. While Ross declined to provide any additional details, he did say that the AEW TV show will air on a major network that everyone will have access to.

“[AEW] is overwhelming for me,” Ross said. “To be 67 years old and be anointed the voice of a brand that’s gonna be debuting in October on national television on a major cable network, which can’t be named now. When people hear what network we’re going on, they’re gonna be doubly excited. It’s a network we can all find.”

During an interview with Wrestling Inc. in February, AEW Executive Vice President Cody Rhodes told us that their potential deal could create a “massive shift in the pro wrestling industry.”

“I can’t talk about it but I know that I was quoted as saying, not by you guys, that ‘a TV deal was not important.’ And I think that in the context I was speaking, I was talking about how important social media and do-it-yourself brands are compared to the traditional TV median,” Rhodes explained. “But I also – let’s be serious, major TV is a huge thing. And it would be a massive shift in the pro wrestling industry. It would be a change-the-world-like move. But I can’t talk about any pending TV deals.

“A lot of the information that’s out there is very accurate about what we’re seeking to do and how frequently we’re seeking to do it,” Rhodes said. “But I don’t want to discourage any future partners. I can say that people have been really calculated about how we roll out announcements. We want to be proper. We can’t just stand on the podium in Jacksonville and say, ‘Hey, here’s the entire business model, here’s all of our plans, here’s x-amount of money.’ We can’t do that. I know the business of the business is very entertaining but I think if people put their trust in us like they have, we won’t let them down.”

Turner Sports has had a long history with professional wrestling, as Turner Broadcasting System purchased Jim Crockett Promotions in 1988, which was rebranded as WCW. WCW programming aired on TBS and TNT with WCW Monday Nitro on TBS going head-to-head with WWF Monday Night RAW from 1995 until the company was sold to WWE in 2001. Monday Nitro even surpassed RAW in the ratings for 83 consecutive weeks from 1996-1997.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

AEW Signs New Talent To Women’s Division, Releases “Fyter Fest” Trailer

Japanese wrestler, Hikaru Shida, has been added to the AEW women’s division. Debuting back in 2008, Shida has worked for multiple promotions included Oz Academy, Ice Ribbon, and Pro Wrestling Wave.

Here is what the current AEW women’s division looks like: Aja Kong, Allie, Bea Priestley, Brandi Rhodes, Britt Baker, Hiraku Shida, Kylie Rae, Nyla Rose, Penelope Ford, Sadie Gibbs, and Yuka Sakazaki.

https://twitter.com/AEWrestling/status/1115610303780335616

Below is the trailer for the upcoming AEW / CEO Fighting Game Championship event at the Dayton Beach Ocean Center on June 29. The show is being called “Fyter Fest” and is billed as “The most luxurious gaming and wrestling festival of all-time.” Tickets for the upcoming event will go on sale in early May.

Triple H Fires Shots At AEW During WWE Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony (Video)

Triple H used the DX WWE Hall of Fame speech to fire shots at All Elite Wrestling.

While joking around about being corporate these days, Triple H said apparently these days if you put the “EVP” title in front of someone, it makes them feel important. AEW’s Executive Vice Presidents include Cody Rhodes, Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks.

Triple H then called AEW a “piss-ant” company after DX joked around about not being able to name Vince McMahon during their speech. Billy Gunn said Vince couldn’t fire him anymore, a reference to Gunn working for AEW.

The Gunn joke led to fans in the audience doing an “AEW” chant. Triple H responded, “Billy, let’s be honest. He would buy that piss-ant company just to fire you again.”

Everyone laughed at that reference and another line from WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels. When joking about always counting on Gunn to under-deliver, Michaels said, “You can always count on ‘ol Billy Gunn to over-promise and under-deliver. We thank you for being out here and being ‘All In’.”

You can hear Triple H’s “piss-ant” line below:

https://twitter.com/coupdebanks/status/1114715221111631872

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Jim Ross Reveals Big News On The First AEW TV Show

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross, who recently signed with All Elite Wrestling, appeared on WFAN Radio in New York City yesterday and said AEW will have a weekly two-hour live TV show that premieres in October.

JR did not reveal the timeslot or the name for the AEW TV show, and he refused to elaborate on what network will carry the program, but we will keep you updated. Ross did say the AEW TV show will air on a major network that we all have access to.

“[AEW] is overwhelming for me,” Ross said. “To be 67 years old and be anointed the voice of a brand that’s gonna be debuting in October on national television on a major cable network, which can’t be named now. When people hear what network we’re going on, they’re gonna be doubly excited. It’s a network we can all find.”

Ross also said AEW is going for a more athletic presentation compared to what we see on TV from other promotions these days.

“I think what they’re shooting for is a more athletic presentation,” JR revealed. “It will hopefully be less eye rolling than the sophomore drama class trying to convince you in a 10 minute promo of anything they’re saying. It’s too long. Our audience can’t handle that.”

As we’ve noted, Ross signed a three-year deal with AEW and will make his commentary debut at Double Or Nothing on May 25, but he will also serve as a Senior Adviser to the company. His contract was called “the most lucrative deal in pro wrestling commentary history” in the AEW press release.

At the link below is full audio from JR’s interview on WFAN:

https://omny.fm/shows/the-afternoon-drive-with-carlin-bart-and-maggie/jim-ross-interview/embed

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide Announces Madison Square Garden Show

Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide announced today at a press conference that their debut show at Madison Square Garden will be on Sunday, September 15. At the moment the event is being called AAA Invading NY.

AAA has a partnerships with Impact Wrestling and MLW. Also, back in February, AAA announced a partnership with AEW where the two companies are expected to lend talent out at each other’s events.

Cody and The Young Bucks showed up at last months’ AAA Rey de Reyes, Nick and Matt Jackson won the AAA World Tag Titles by defeating Pentagon Jr. and Fenix. It’s likely AEW talent will be involved with the upcoming MSG show.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

DDP Praises Ronda Rousey, Calls Becky Lynch A Female Version Of Jake Roberts, Lacey Evans, WrestleMania, Thoughts On AEW

WWE Hall of Famer Diamond Dallas Page Vulture Hound to promote his new “Positively Unstoppable” book. The interview was done before WWE announced the “Winner Takes All” Triple Threat with Becky Lynch, RAW Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey and SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair for the WrestleMania 35 main event, but Page said the female Superstars could absolutely be a WrestleMania main event.

Regarding the WrestleMania 35 main event, Page praised Rousey as a top draw, and called Lynch the female version of WWE Hall of Famer Jake “The Snake” Roberts.

“Well, I think there’s no bigger draw than Ronda (laughs). I heard her say in an interview one time that everything in her life prepared her for this (wrestling), and Becky can go out there and have a hell of a match with her,” DDP said. “She (Becky) is like a female Jake Roberts. She has all the tools. She’s got an amazing look. Has all the tools in the ring, and she is believable as a son of a b—h, but she can also make her opponent look unbelievable. Ronda’s still finding her way, she’s doing very well, and she’s going to be amazing.

“So I think they can carry it, but they never do one main event at WrestleMania anyway, there is always a couple of them. It’s not all on one match. But when it was Rock vs. Hogan – that was the main event (laughs). When it was Austin and Rock – that was the match. But since then, they’ve spent a lot of time having a couple of featured matches because they have such a big talent pool. But they could absolutely be one of the main events at Mania.”

DDP continued his praise for Rousey. He was one of the few people that went out of their way to tell everyone how Rousey was going to deliver with her in-ring debut at WrestleMania 34 last year. Page was asked how satisfying it is to see where she is now, and he also revealed that he has been mentoring Lacey Evans.

“She’s a world class athlete. And she didn’t just come in and think, ‘Oh, I think I’ll wrestle now.’ She’s a fan,” DDP said. “So when you grow up a fan and you use the moniker of ‘Rowdy’ that was made famous by Roddy Piper, and Roddy gives you his blessing to use the name, that’s something. So I knew she had all that in her. And again, work ethic at a different level. And I’m really surprised her husband, Travis Browne is not down at the WWE Performance Center, because he loves wrestling too. He’s money. He actually sent me a picture a few months ago of him and Ronda doing DDPY in the ring.

“Her whole Four Horsewomen do the program. They’ll put up videos of them doing DDPY. Those girls at the PC work so hard and I was really excited to see Lacey Evans get the call up to the main roster. We became good friends, and I mentor her, she does the program all the time. I have so much respect for what these girls are doing. The bottom line is after all this time, everything we’ve been doing, it’s finally taking off. There is a quote that I use which says: ‘It’s okay to want to be rich and famous. You just can’t want it first.’ There is a lot of work that goes into being rich and famous. It’s the message that I try to put out there, just put the work in, keep moving forward, and anything is possible.”

DDP is close to All Elite Wrestling Executive Vice President Cody Rhodes and recently appeared in an AEW “Road to Double Or Nothing” episode to talk about the future of the company with other WWE Hall of Famers. Page was also a part of Cody’s entourage for his NWA World Heavyweight Title match against Nick Aldis at All In last year, along with Tommy Dreamer and Glacier. DDP later confirmed in a media interview that he refused to take any money from Cody or The Young Bucks for the All In booking. Speaking in this new interview, Page talked some about AEW and Cody, calling him one of his most favorite people on the planet, when asked what he thinks we can expect from AEW in a year or a few years.

“You know it’s interesting because I did an interview with Cody a little over a year ago, and I just wanted to bring people up to speed with where he was at and what he was doing. Also, I wanted to give him Dusty’s coat, which Dusty gave to me. And it’s really amazing how much his life changed over that one year,” DDP said. “This year, we did it again. I did a motivational Monday on my DDPY app with Cody, and it was pieces of our interview, and it was looking at how much your life can change in one year when you’re owning it. Cody has been around me since he was eight years old, and I don’t mean around like we just say ‘hey, how are you doing?’ I’ve been mentoring him for f–king twenty years. He’s one of my favourite people on the planet. So seeing what they have done, and how it’s all come together over this last year has been amazing. It was so cool to be backstage at ALL IN and watching him talk to the boys before the show and telling them to have fun. He’d hear people out if they had an idea, but he told them how to do it because he had a vision.

“He and I spoke before ALL IN; we talked about how it might be his one chance to do a show like that. Obviously, that’s not the case now. It’s turned into this thing with Tony Khan, and they are doing something that is ridiculously extraordinary. They’ve got their Double or Nothing show, and I think they have another show planned, and they are working on their TV show. I don’t know exactly where that is right now; we help him shoot videos that he needs because our quality is so high. We help him do that, just because he’s my boy. I don’t get involved any more than just being a sounding board for him. I think there is a lot of potential there, but it will all come down to what the TV looks like. The biggest thing for him is the fans, and keeping that one on one relationship, and having that interaction with them. That’s going to be interesting to watch as they move forward because as they get bigger and bigger, then it’s tough to be so relatable. So far, he’s a hundred percent relatable.”

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Jim Ross Officially Signs “Most Lucrative Commentary Deal” With AEW, Announce Team Revealed

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has officially joined All Elite Wrestling.

JR’s AEW signing was revealed in the latest episode of “Road to Double Or Nothing,” seen below. The episode features AEW Executive Vice President Cody Rhodes praising Ross, and Ross talking about signing with the company.

It was also revealed that Excalibur and Alex Marvez will be on the AEW announce team. Alicia A will serve as the backstage correspondent and former WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts will be the AEW ring announcer. Brandi Rhodes said she made the decision to sign Roberts.

JR’s WWE contract just expired at the end of March.

AEW issued the following press release on JR’s signing. It was noted that JR has signed the most lucrative deal in commentary history, which is for three years.

Legendary Commentator Jim Ross Joins All Elite Wrestling in Most Lucrative Deal in Commentary History— AEW Signs Jim Ross to 3-Year Deal as Senior Advisor —

Las Vegas, NV (April 3, 2019) – All Elite Wrestling announced a groundbreaking three-year deal with legendary commentator Jim Ross, generally considered to be the greatest pro wrestling announcer of all time. Effective immediately, Ross will take on the role as Senior Advisor in what is the most lucrative deal in pro wrestling commentary history.

Ross’ first in ring appearance for AEW will be at DOUBLE OR NOTHING, the highly-anticipated event on Saturday, May 25, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. He will also work closely with the senior leaders at AEW on their roadmap to shift and reinvent the wrestling landscape.

“I’ve been part of the wrestling community since I was 7 years old, and there’s no greater thrill than welcoming the voice that I grew up with, Jim Ross, to our AEW family,” said Tony Khan, President of AEW. “We all share a common goal to make this the true golden age, to make this the greatest time ever to be a professional wrestling fan. And, as a business, we also seek to make this a new golden age for the performers and our staff members. Our entire team is thrilled to have Jim onboard and we can’t wait to shake things up together.”

“We’re all excited about having the legendary voice of our childhood come here and help the new generation of talent with his expertise,” said Nick Jackson, EVP at AEW.

“I’m moving on in a very positive way to this timely opportunity to be on the ground floor of one of the most exciting moments in the history of pro wrestling,” said Jim Ross. “I’ve known Tony, Cody, The Young Bucks and Kenny for a long time, and I know they’re going to change the world of pro wrestling. Their roster is already packed with top-level talent and up-and-comers. They’ve got a huge show coming up in May. They’ve brought in game-changing partners like KultureCity. And they’ve got an all-inclusive, welcoming culture like I’ve never seen before. I’m ready to change the world with them.”

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Jim Ross Says AEW Deal Is Imminent, Talks How Much He Made Doing WWE 2K Voiceover Work

Recently on The Jim Ross Report, WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross talked about his recent talks with AEW. Also, Ross shared the big paydays he received for his voiceover work on 2K’s WWE video games.

According to Ross, he has been in talks with AEW and a deal is likely imminent. Ross suggested that he is unsure whether the deal will be for a broadcasting role and/or a behind-the-scenes role.

“We’re talking to AEW,” Ross began. “I mentioned that before. They are an exciting young company. I’d like to think I could contribute to their success either at ringside, calling the play-by-play, or behind-the-scenes. Those details are still being discussed and when we get something finalized, I’m thinking within the next few days at most, we’ll let everybody know. So life is good, man. When one door closes, another door opens if you let it. And that’s my choice. Another door is opening and if all goes well, knock on wood, as I’m doing right now [knocks]. Hear it? I’m knocking on wood that everything’s cool. It’s going to be a good year.”

Apparently, Ross made over six-figures on multiple occasions from his work doing voiceovers on the WWE 2K video games.

“I see where Tommy Dreamer is back in the news,” Ross said. “Tommy’s House Of Hardcore will be in a video game, RetroMania Wrestling, so that’s going to be an interesting proposition, opportunity, I should say, for Tommy. He works hard, man. He’s a one-man band. But it could be a big deal. I can tell you this: I made six-figures plus on many occasions for my work on the 2K games for WWE. It’s a big deal, so if you’re lucky enough to get involved with the video games, and they sell, they’ve got to sell – it wasn’t like appearance money. It was like part of your royalties. The more they sold, the more you made.”

Check out the podcast at the link below:

https://omny.fm/shows/the-ross-report/tony-schiavone-and-kenny-omega/embed

Sources: Wrestling Inc. and The Jim Ross Report

Cody Rhodes Announces Kurt Angle For Starrcast II

WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle has been announced for the loaded Starrcast II convention.

Angle joins The Undertaker as current top WWE Superstars scheduled for the big event, which takes place during All Elite Wrestling’s Double Or Nothing weekend from Las Vegas in late May. This would be almost two months after Angle’s Farewell Match against Baron Corbin at WrestleMania 35.

AEW Executive Vice President Cody Rhodes took to Twitter on Monday night to announce Angle for Starrcast II. He wrote, “It’s true, It’s damn true, Kurt Angle is coming to Starrcast II!”

Starrcast II takes place May 23-26 from the Tuscany Suites & Casinos at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada. Full details on the convention can be found at Starrcast.com.

You can see Cody’s tweet below along with a list of guests currently advertised for Starrcast II:

The Undertaker aka Mark Calaway
WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle
WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair
WWE Hall of Famer Sting
Eric Bischoff
Bruce Prichard
Tony Schiavone
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross
WWE Hall of Famer Jerry Lawler
WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart
WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash
WWE Hall of Famer Scott Hall
WWE Hall of Famer Lita aka Amy Dumas
WWE Hall of Famer Ricky Steamboat
WWE Hall of Famer Sean “X-Pac” Waltman
WWE Hall of Famer Arn Anderson
WWE Hall of Famer JJ Dillon
WWE Hall of Famer Barry Windham
WWE Hall of Famer Tully Blanchard
Tommy Dreamer
Colt Cabana
Magnum TA
Joey Ryan
David Arquette
WWE Hall of Famer The Godfather aka Charles Wright
Jerry Lynn
Konnan
WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk
Dylan Postle aka Swoggle aka Hornswoggle
Rob Van Dam
Leva Bates
WWE producer “Hurricane” Shane Helms
Brian Pillman Jr
The Blue Meanie
Bill Apter
Madison Rayne
Ashley Massaro
Dan Soder
Mike Lawrence
Ron Funches
LA Park
El Hijo de LA Park
Sean Mooney
Nyla Rose
Kylie Rae
Sonny Kiss
Chuck Taylor
Trent Beretta
Dan St. Germain
WWE Hall of Famers The Rock n’ Roll Express
WWE Hall of Famer Mil Mascaras
WWE Hall of Famer Greg Valentine
Mark Madden
Scott Norton
Angelina Love
Velvet Sky
Vampiro
Brandon Cutler
Sammy Guevara
Ace Romero
Kip Sabian
Jimmy Havoc
Scarlett Bordeaux
Killer Kross
Dave Meltzer
Bryan Alvarez
Matt Mitchell aka Casio
Alex Marvez
Dr. Britt Baker
Cody Rhodes
Brandi Rhodes
The Young Bucks
Kenny Omega
Chris Jericho
Christopher Daniels
Frankie Kazarian
Scorpio Sky
Adam Page
Joey Janela
Penelope Ford
WWE Hall of Famer Billy Gunn
WWE Hall of Famer Stan Hansen
WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Hart

Source: Wrestling Inc.