A pretty big change to the wrestling calendar could be on the horizon as a part of AEW’s reported extension with WBD.
Multiple reports over the past several months have indicated that All Elite Wrestling are currently in the midst of negotiations regarding an extension to their current rights deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, and it now appears as though the company could be undergoing a major change should the extension be agreed upon.
According to a recent report from Fightful Select, one of WBD’s proposals to AEW is an increase in their PPV output, with one Warner Bros. Discovery source mentioning the possibility of monthly PPVs in a similar vein to the schedule WWE currently operates on.
“Warner Bros Discovery sources confirmed to Fightful Select that one of the major proposals from their end to All Elite Wrestling as it relates to an extension is the subject of PPV (or PLE) events. Specifically, a WBD source told Fightful that they mentioned the very likely possibility of significantly expanding the AEW PPV schedule, even to one a month.”
-Fightful
The report then notes that this is a change WBD has been wanting, although it’s unclear as of writing whether these additional PPVs would be standalone events or be available as a part of a steaming deal with MAX, with WBD sources choosing not to elaborate at this time.
The past 12 months have already seen an increase in AEW’s PPV output, with the promotion adding both Forbidden Door and this year’s All In event to their schedule, however there has yet to be any update regarding broadcasting plans moving forward.
It’s worth pointing out that, as of writing, nothing in the deal is currently finalised, and thus, it remains to be seen as to whether the proposed schedule change will come to fruition.
As always, we’ll aim to provide any further updates regarding AEW’s contract negotiations with WBD, as well as the prospect of an increase in their PPV output as soon as we hear more.
