Tag: TNT

AEW Ramifications Of Potential WBD-UFC Deal

AEW’s partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is locked in through 2028, but potential changes could be on the horizon for the company’s Saturday night show, Collision. According to a new report, WBD is interested in acquiring UFC broadcast rights, which could have a direct impact on AEW’s programming schedule.

What’s the Situation?

Per Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Dave Meltzer, if WBD successfully secures a deal with UFC, the promotion’s events would likely air on TNT—the same network where Collision currently resides. This raises questions about AEW’s Saturday night time slot. If UFC takes priority, Collision could be moved out of primetime or potentially shifted over to TBS, where Dynamite airs on Wednesdays.

What This Means for AEW

AEW has already seen one major network switch in its history when Dynamite moved from TNT to TBS in 2022. While shifting Collision to TBS could provide brand consistency, Meltzer warns that constantly changing time slots could be detrimental to the show’s viewership. However, there is also a scenario where Collision remains on TNT but airs after UFC events. If that happens, AEW might actually benefit from a strong lead-in audience.

The Bigger Picture

UFC’s current media rights deal with ESPN expires at the end of 2024, making it a prime target for networks looking to boost their sports programming. It’s also worth noting that UFC’s parent company, TKO Group, also owns WWE, adding another layer of intrigue to WBD’s interest in the MMA promotion.

Meanwhile, AEW’s own media landscape has evolved. At the beginning of the year AEW programming became available for streaming on MAX, and its pay-per-views can now be purchased on Amazon Prime Video—marking a notable expansion of their distribution reach.

For now, AEW remains a key player in WBD’s programming lineup, but if UFC enters the equation, Collision’s Saturday night home could be in for a shake-up.

Brandi And Cody Rhodes To Star In New TNT Reality Show

AEW stars (and real life married couple) Cody and Brandi Rhodes are set to star in their very own reality show on TNT.

A trailer for the upcoming “Rhodes To The Top” aired during the latest edition of Dynamite.

AEW later released more details via a press release.

“Tonight’s action-packed episode of “AEW DYNAMITE” delivered another special announcement for soon-to-be parents Cody and Brandi Rhodes. TNT has ordered a new unscripted series, ‘Rhodes to the Top,’ from Warner Bros. Unscripted Television in association with Shed Media, that will go inside the lives of Cody and Brandi as they navigate their growing family while building AEW’s global wrestling empire,” the company said.

“Each 30-minute episode will take viewers behind-the-scenes as the powerhouse couple manage their ever-busier lives inside and outside the ring, all the while surrounded by a colorful and often hilarious motley crew of wrestlers, family and friends who both support and test them at every turn,” the release continued. “Married in 2013, Cody and Brandi have been on an unprecedented path to wrestling greatness, but will now face their newest and possibly biggest challenge yet.”

Brandi and Cody were regular cast members on the now cancelled E! reality show “WAGS Atlanta,” so this won’t be the couple’s first foray into the world of reality TV.

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet