Here's a scoop for you wrestling fans out there: two of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) shows will be looking for a new TV network.
WWE shows "Raw" and "Smackdown" will switch TV networks after NBC Universal has allowed its contract for both shows to expire over the weekend. The WWE had been negotiating a new TV deal with NBC Universal, but could not come to an agreement. NBCU's negotiating period expired last Friday, which means WWE now has the opportunity to talk to other TV networks, possibly hinting at a deal with Spike TV, where rival company TNA Impact is currently stationed.
WWE stated in an interview with The Wrap that,
"WWE's exclusive negotiating period with NBCU for our flagship television programs, 'Raw' and 'Smackdown,' has now expired."
"While we were unable to reach an agreement with NBCU during this period, we have certainly appreciated our long and productive partnership. With year-round, live programming that is highly coveted by programmers, distributors and advertisers, we are extremely excited about our future. We look forward to engaging with potential partners who recognize the value of having the No. 1 show on cable and live content delivered 52 weeks a year."
Even though NBCU's exclusive negotiation window has closed, it does not mean that both shows will definitely be moving to new networks. Should a competing offer come in, the network has the right to a limited match offer.
WWE, on the other hand, felt that both Raw and Smackdown shows offer lots of value, and nobody can argue with that as Raw has been running for 21 years now, while Smackdown is in its 15th year of airing. Even though WWE will be releasing its own network next week, Raw and Smackdown will continue to air on TV stations as they can still earn lots of revenue from TV rights.
One company that I can see being a little nervous about all this is TNA Impact Wrestling. If the WWE strikes a deal with their network Spike TV, this spells trouble for TNA as Raw has a history with Spike TV in the past, so it is a possibility that WWE flagships shows will be aired on Spike TV dropping TNA on the dust in ratings.
One thing is for certain though if NBCU finds a buyer then that network will have to see fans booing, tables breaking, bodies flying and cage matches on their stations.
