1) WWE’s Reaction To AEW’s New TV Deal
It was announced last week that AEW has reached a new deal with TNT that extends through 2023. This new deal also includes an option for TNT to extend the deal into 2024. In other words, AEW is not going anywhere.
WrestlingNews.co has posted a report that shares some of the backstage WWE reaction to this new TV deal. Here is an excerpt from their report:
One source noted to me that wrestlers are happy for AEW because this ensures that WWE will continue to give out big money contracts for years to come and wrestlers have more leverage than ever before.
“Guys are making more and they are not afraid to ask for time off like before,” said the source. “We know these aren’t guaranteed contracts like WCW but Vince more accommodating these days because he wants to keep everyone happy so that wall has been torn down. Some people are getting offered more money with a better schedule. We have AEW to thank for that so I would say thank you AEW for being around.”
This also means WWE stars can get better contracts for themselves with less working dates:
One person noted how years ago, Vince McMahon would only consider giving a relaxed schedule to guys like Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker but times have changed and some wrestlers on the current roster are working fewer dates, per the terms of their new deal. Randy Orton was already working fewer dates on his previous contract and his new deal calls for a better schedule with fewer than his previous deal.
One wrestler I spoke with had plans to retire with plans to transition into a different role in the business but that wrestler has had a change of heart and will be looking to sign a new contract for more money when their current deal expires. That would not have been possible without the leverage that comes with another major wrestling promotion on the scene.
My Take:
- Even if you hate AEW, it is hard to deny them being successful is good for the wrestling business as a whole. I would say that the WWE product has improved over the past year and competition will likely keep them from getting complacent. Guys and girls seem to be getting more money, which they deserve for what they put their bodies through.
Have you heard any interesting WWE rumors? Let us know in the comment section below.
On a related note, check out my 5 bold predictions for the Royal Rumble.