Tag: FOX

FOX Denies Involvement In A Reported Vince McMahon Wrestling Promotion

The wrestling world is buzzing with speculation that Vince McMahon might be eyeing a return to the business. Reports suggest that the former WWE Chairman could be looking to bring back ex-WWE executives and reconnect with veteran wrestling production staff. The topic was recently discussed on the 83 Weeks podcast, where Eric Bischoff and Conrad Thompson even speculated that FOX could be backing a new McMahon-led wrestling promotion.

However, The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand has poured cold water on those rumors—at least as far as FOX is concerned. Marchand reported that a network spokesperson denied any involvement with McMahon in such a project. He stated, “There is a report that Vince McMahon might start a wrestling company with FOX as a partner. If McMahon is planning that or not, I don’t know, but the FOX part is not true, according to a network spokesman.”

While McMahon’s next move remains uncertain, the idea of him re-entering the wrestling landscape isn’t far-fetched. After selling WWE to Endeavor and stepping away following multiple controversies, some believe he might not be ready to stay on the sidelines permanently. Whether this is just speculation or the beginning of something real, one thing is clear—when it comes to Vince McMahon, the wrestling world will always be watching.

Backstage Rumors On AEW Possibly Signing TV Deal With FOX In Addition To WBD

As reports continue to emerge that a new media rights deal between AEW and Warner Bros. Discovery is only a matter of time, AEW CEO Tony Khan has continued to play coy, recently confirming that he has yet to put pen to paper. Now, rumors are swirling that the new deal might not be as exclusive as many had assumed. With the promotion recently trademarking the name “AEW Shockwave,” some wonder if AEW could be filling the wrestling slot that WWE once held on Fox networks.

According to Fightful Select, sources say AEW has been in talks with Fox, though Fox refused to comment officially. Andrew Zarian reported that Fox liked the ad revenue that “WWE SmackDown” was bringing in on Friday nights, but the show itself was too expensive, and that a cheaper wrestling property was enticing to the network. That said, there’s no official word on whether there is any kind of deal, or the prospects of a deal, or even if AEW and WBD agreeing to a non-exclusive contract is feasible. When AEW initially brought “Collision” to WBD, exclusivity was a sticking point, and was cited as the reasoning for shuttering the “AEW Dark” and “AEW Dark: Elevation” YouTube shows. The exclusivity runs until the end of 2024.

Fox doesn’t just have its eponymous network to offer, as broadcast outlets like FS1, Tubi, and others are available for programming blocks. The relationship between WBD and AEW is said to be amicable, and WBD is already planning on rebranding part of its TruTV lineup as “TNT Sports,” indicating a plan to stay in the sports market despite losing broadcast rights to the NBA.

UPDATE

Ibou of WrestlePurists stirred the pot a little more this week, saying on a recent podcast that while he wasn’t officially reporting anything, he had heard rumors from talent within the company regarding “AEW Shockwave” and a potential deal with Fox.

“What I’ve heard about the WBD TV deal is that it will continue to include ‘Dynamite’ and ‘Collision,’ and it’s unknown what will happen to ‘Rampage,'” Ibou said. “But the rumor amongst the talent … I have not heard from WBD or AEW in an official capacity, but what talent have been discussing, what has gone on around behind the scenes and has circulated amongst circles in AEW, is that ‘AEW Shockwave’ will be a one hour program on FS1. That is the latest scuttlebutt. That is the latest rumor.”

As of this writing, neither Warner Bros. Discovery, AEW, or Fox have publicly commented on any finalized media rights deals for any of AEW’s current shows. Last Friday’s “SmackDown” was the final episode of the blue brand to air as part of WWE’s now-expired agreement with Fox, leaving the network free of wrestling programming for the time being.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE Reportedly Frustrated By Amount Of FOX Censorship On Friday’s SmackDown

A new report has indicated WWE was frustrated over censorship during the FOX broadcast of “WWE SmackDown” on Friday, June 28. Many fans took to social media during the show to bemoan the censorship throughout the night, with transmission muted and cut-off to censor expletives picked up in audio. 

After which, Fightful Select has reported that several within WWE indicated they were frustrated over the censorship, with one longtime talent reportedly looking forward to the impending move to USA Network quoted as saying, “it’s a chore to watch sometimes. I understand censoring ‘f**k the Pacers,’ but it feels like every segment is edited and it makes us look like it’s our production.”

Several expletives were censored during the match between Logan Paul, LA Knight, and Santos Escobar to qualify for the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match. Paul was joined by Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton for the bout, who attempted to retrieve Paul’s signature brass knuckles to win the bout. However, Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks jumped the guardrail from his front-row seat to balance the odds. The confusion allowed for Knight to pin Paul to qualify for Money in the Bank, but there was an audible “F**k the Pacers” chant levied towards Haliburton. Elsewhere, the screen cut to black during Nia Jax’s entrance, aiming to censor what appeared to be a child flipping the bird in the audience. “SmackDown” will be moving to USA Network on September 13, with WWE’s broadcasting deal with FOX due to expire directly beforehand.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Freddie Prinze Jr. Says WWE Offered To Sell “The Whole Product” To FOX

On this week’s Wrestling with Freddie podcast, Freddie Prinze Jr. was joined by Macaulay Culkin, as they delved into the world of WWE.

Culkin stated that he believes that WWE has lost focus of their product, as they are preparing to sell the company with current restructurings going on within. Freddie Prinze Jr. was quick to respond to reveal that WWE had previously offered to sell to FOX.

“I haven’t said this before, but I’ll say it now because it has been long enough,” Prinze Jr. began. “I was talking to a dude who was interviewing to be their COO, or they wanted to interview. They ended up going with Nick Khan, he had passed but he wanted to talk to me about the company. So we were just talking about the brand and all this, and he goes ‘yeah, they wanted us to buy the whole product.’ He’s an exec at FOX. He goes ‘they wanted us to buy the whole brand but the number they wanted wasn’t a number we were going to pay, so we licensed SmackDown instead.’”

Freddie Prinze Jr. and Macaulay Culkin highlighted particular flaws they felt WWE currently had. This included the revamping of the NXT brand. Prinze Jr. believes the brand went from “the most watchable brand in the whole company, to the most unwatchable in the space of a week.”

The pair were also critical about the way WWE handled Karrion Kross’ call up to the main roster by altering his character with a new look. Prinze Jr. said he felt bad for the former NXT Champion.

“When he came out [On RAW], in like the porno dungeon mask, and the red suspenders, I literally felt bad for the guy. I didn’t even know him. I reached out to a wrestler that I do know, who I happened to know was on the road with him, and I was ‘Yo man, give that dude a hug for me!’” Prinze Jr. said.

Source: Wrestling Inc. credit to Wrestling with Freddie podcast

FOX Reportedly Pushing For WWE Crowds To Return

FOX officials have reportedly pushed for WWE to return to live crowds.

It was reported today by @Wrestlevotes that FOX has privately pushed for a return to live crowds for WWE over the past few weeks. The network is reportedly actively seeking updates on timeframes and information related to the return to touring for the company.

It was noted that FOX wants their billion dollar investment in WWE to be on the same playing field as the MLB, the NBA and other sports leagues.

There is talk that WWE is headed on the road for at least one weekend in mid-July with fans in attendance at events. The report indicated that the Friday, July 16 would be a live SmackDown with fans, while Saturday would be some sort of live event, and then the WWE Money In the Bank pay-per-view would be held on Sunday, July 18, with a live RAW being held on Monday, July 19. There’s no word on if this would be a test weekend for the full-time return to touring, but that has also been rumored.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

FOX To Air WWE Special This Sunday

FOX is scheduled to air a WWE special this Sunday along with their NFL coverage.

“WWE’s Best Moments of 2020” will air alongside FOX’s NFL games this Sunday. Fans should check their local listings for when it will air.

WWE issued the following announcement on Sunday’s special:

Don’t miss WWE’s Best Moments of 2020 this Sunday on FOX

WWE brings all the action of the squared circle to FOX this Sunday with a special presentation of “The Best Moments of 2020,” alongside the NFL’s hard-hitting lineup.

The FOX special will feature a collection of the past year’s best matches and moments from The Undertaker, Universal Champion Roman Reigns, WWE Champion Drew McIntyre, John Cena, Raw Woman’s Champion Asuka, SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley, Raw Tag Team Champions The Street Profits, Sasha Banks, The Fiend, AJ Styles, Randy Orton, Edge, Seth Rollins, Braun Strowman and Matt Riddle.

Check your local listings and don’t miss a moment of the action when WWE looks back on the best moments of 2020 on FOX.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

‘FOX New Year’s Eve With Steve Harvey’ To Feature A Match With Roman Reigns

FOX is ringing in 2020 with the help of Roman Reigns, as “The Big Dog” will be featured in a match during their New Year’s Eve special hosted by Steve Harvey in Times Square.

According to Deadline, Maria Menounos and Rob Gronkowski will co-host the evening set to include a live performance by The Village People while a group of people attempt to set the world record for largest YMCA dance.

The report says also says the evening will “feature a WWE match with Roman Reigns,” but it’s not specificied if it will be taped, an older match or if Reigns will be wrestling during the show.

Additional performers include LL Cool J, DJ Z-Trip, The Chainsmokers, The Lumineers, Florida Georgia Line, Backstreet Boys, Tyga and The Killers. Gordon Ramsay, Will Arnett and Jenna Dewan will also make appearances on the show.

New Year’s Eve on FOX kicks off at 8pm ET.

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

CM Punk Reportedly Turned Down Big Money Offer From AEW, Punk Is Signed To A FOX Deal, Not WWE

CM Punk reportedly turned down significant money from AEW, according to Bryan Alvarez on Wrestling Observer Live.

Punk did actually have talks with AEW, despite what has been said in the media, and he met in person with AEW President & CEO Tony Khan, according to Alvarez. There’s no word yet on details of AEW’s offer, but Khan reportedly offered “a lot of money” to the former WWE Champion.

There’s been no update on Punk possibly returning to the ring for WWE, but turning down the AEW deal could be a sign that he has no plan for an in-ring future.

Punk is signed to a FOX deal, not WWE. It’s been reported that Punk’s agents contacted FOX a few months back, which led to the initial tryout in Los Angeles, where the show is filmed each week. WWE did give their blessing to the hire, but this was a FOX decision.

As seen in the tweet from FOX Sports PR below, “CM Punk” and “WWE Backstage” trended #1 and #2 worldwide on Twitter. The return had more than 5.5 million video views across the FOX Sports social media platforms, and counting. This was also the most re-tweeted post of the year on any FOX Sports account.

As we’ve noted, Punk appeared at the end of this week’s Backstage episode after being introduced by host Renee Young. It was later announced that the former WWE Champion will appear as a Special Contributor and Analyst beginning next week, making “select appearances” in the studio alongside host Renee and analyst WWE Hall of Famer Booker T.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

XFL Picks Announce Team For ESPN And FOX

With an entertaining league like the XFL set to come back, it was only fitting the most entertaining commentators would be involved. According to the New York Post, the Fox and ESPN broadcast teams for each main XFL game will have a lot of experience.

On the ESPN side, Steve Levy, Dan Orlovsky and Pat McAfee will be on the call. Meanwhile, on Fox, Curt Menefee and Joel Klatt will be talking all things XFL. According to the report, Fox had an interest in Gus Johnson, but due to his commitment to college basketball, the schedules didn’t work out. No word yet who will host the FS1 and ABC games.

Levy has worked with ESPN for a number of years, especially as a longtime anchor of SportsCenter. Known for his role on ABC/ESPN’s College Gameday program, Levy has worked doubleheader games of “Monday Night Football” with Brian Griese. He has also broadcasted a number of hockey games.

A fifth-round pick in the 2005 NFL Draft, Orlovsky has played for the Lions, Texans, Colts and Buccaneers. The former quarterback from UConn retired from football in 2017, becoming an analyst for ESPN.

One of the most entertaining voices in social media today, Pat McAfee has made his voice known allover. From Barstool Sports to WWE to his own radio show, the former NFL kicker has become more popular than ever before. Starting another talk show on DAZN (syndicated by Westwood One), McAfee has also been a part of ESPN’s Thursday Night Football crew. Both he and Orlovsky have clicked before when it comes to commentary, joining together for “Get Up!” on ESPN.

This opportunity is a step up for Curt Menefee, who is currently providing commentary for Fox’s Sunday NFL Pregame Show. Menefee has provided preseason analysis for both the Jaguars and the Seahawks, while also working commentary for NFL Europe games. He has also used his voice for boxing, MMA and has signed on and off of Super Bowl’s whenever he is available.

Menefee will be working with Joel Klatt, a former college quarterback for Colorado. Starting his post-playing days as a football analyst, Klatt helped usher in FS1. He is FOX Sports’ lead college football game analyst, teaming with Gus Johnson. Moving up in the ranks every year, Klatt also provides coverage on golf.

The relaunched XFL season is expected to start in February of 2020, the weekend after the Super Bowl.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

FOX To Air WWE Specials And More Ahead Of WWE SmackDown Premiere

FOX has announced two special preview shows to celebrate the arrival of WWE on FOX, and to build to the SmackDown premiere on Friday, October 4.

FOX will air a SmackDown’s Greatest Hits special on Friday, September 27 from 8pm-9pm ET. The special will be hosted by Charlotte Flair and The Miz. FOX will then air WrestleMania’s Legendary Moments on Sunday, September 29. The one-hour show will air at different times around NFL coverage in local markets. That special will be narrated by John Cena.

FOX will also air a thirty-minute Blue Carpet special on Friday, October 4 at 7:30pm ET, which will be the the lead-in to the premiere at 8pm ET. The special will feature Superstars and celebrities arriving to the Staples Center for the big SmackDown 20th Anniversary show that night.

It was also confirmed that SmackDown will air on the FOX Sports App. FOX Sports is also launching new social media accounts – @WWEonFOX on Twitter, @WWEonFOX on Instagram, and WWE on FOX on Facebook.

Below is the full announcement issued by FOX today:

FOX Sports Announces WWE Programming Ahead of FRIDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN DebutSpecial “Blue Carpet” Preview Show to Celebrate Arrival of WWE on FOX

FRIDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN Air Time Details Announced

Los Angeles – Leading up to the network debut of FRIDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN on FOX on Friday, Oct. 4, FOX Sports presents a slate of special programming, pre-event coverage and cross-platform integrations in anticipation of the marquee event.

A pair of hour-long WWE specials lead the charge, beginning with WWE SMACKDOWN’S GREATEST HITS, on Friday, Sept. 27, on FOX (8:00 PM ET/7:00 PM CT/7:00 PM MT/8:00 PM PT). Hosted by WWE Superstars Charlotte Flair and The Miz, the show highlights the most memorable moments from the storied franchise. On Sunday, Sept. 29, John Cena narrates WWE WRESTLEMANIA’S LEGENDARY MOMENTS, offering viewers a chance to relive the most spectacular WrestleMania moments from the past 35 years. Check local listings for air times surrounding Sunday’s NFL on FOX singleheader action.

Less than a week later, FOX Sports rolls out the “blue carpet” at the Staples Center in Los Angeles for the FRIDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN KICKOFF SHOW on Friday, Oct. 4 (7:30 PM ET/6:30 PM CT/6:30 PM MT/7:30 PM PT). This star-studded show features “blue carpet” arrivals and backstage access to celebrities and athletes, as well as past and present WWE Superstars to kick off the new era of WWE on FOX.

In front of a star-studded crowd in Los Angeles, FRIDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN airs live at 8:00 PM ET/7:00 PM CT on FOX. For viewers in the Mountain and Pacific time zones, SmackDown airs at 7:00 PM MT/8:00 PM PT on FOX. For all authenticated viewers nationwide, SmackDown will be available to stream live at 8:00 PM ET/7:00 PM CT/6:00 PM MT/5:00 PM PT on the FOX Sports App.

Today, FOX Sports also launches its WWE on FOX social handles, which will provide insight, analysis and entertainment across social platforms. For more information, explore @WWEonFOX on Twitter, @WWEonFOX on Instagram and WWE on FOX on Facebook.

Additional details on FOX Sports’ WWE programming will be announced at a later date.

Source: Wrestling Inc.