WWE is shopping Raw for two billion. WBD just cancelled the latest Cena project for the 72 million tax write off. But hey Punk could close this deal, kick AEW off of WBD and prove me wrong. But still think this shit is all Punk blowing smoke up his ass leaking pro-punk stories to the reporters he would leak all the AEW drama too.

Which is why dirt sheet people are now saying they do not entirely trust pro-Punk stories anymore. Reaching Hulk Hogan is God levels of absurd.

Reading how people are covering the NBA deal, not one of the see's Punk lead Raw on the same level of NBA, and almost all are saying the bidding of for NBA first, and Raw will be taken by the losers.  Expected WDB and Disney keep NBA since they held it for 20 years, and Raw goes to FX since Fox passed, and USA does not want it for more than Smackdown.  No one but wrestling dirt sheets are reporting a strong WBD interest in kicking out AEW for Raw.

But those media news sources do not know CM Punk and his massive star power that supercede the Rock, Taker and Cena who were all around when the TV deals started.  

Dec 15, 2023 2:14:23 GMT c said:

WWE is shopping Raw for two billion. WBD just cancelled the latest Cena project for the 72 million tax write off. But hey Punk could close this deal, kick AEW off of WBD and prove me wrong. But still think this shit is all Punk blowing smoke up his ass leaking pro-punk stories to the reporters he would leak all the AEW drama too.

Which is why dirt sheet people are now saying they do not entirely trust pro-Punk stories anymore. Reaching Hulk Hogan is God levels of absurd.

Reading how people are covering the NBA deal, not one of the see's Punk lead Raw on the same level of NBA, and almost all are saying the bidding of for NBA first, and Raw will be taken by the losers.  Expected WDB and Disney keep NBA since they held it for 20 years, and Raw goes to FX since Fox passed, and USA does not want it for more than Smackdown.  No one but wrestling dirt sheets are reporting a strong WBD interest in kicking out AEW for Raw.

But those media news sources do not know CM Punk and his massive star power that supercede the Rock, Taker and Cena who were all around when the TV deals started.  

Ah, got it.

So it’s because WBD is cheap.

WBD is still down profitwise from the merge. Down 20% this year. They are canning shit for tax write-offs and canceling a lot of their more expensive shit. Has nothing to do with wrestling really. CNN lost a ton of value, DC movie universe collapsed and burned, their music is making no cash and they are looking to sell it off, the max and discovery streaming merge fizzled and other shit.

So they can get Raw, but it is very unlikely they will as their books are a mess. You mentioned being in marketing, you think the common person is excited when they hear warner brother discovery? Or even know what the hell they produce right now? Like sure it is Warner Brothers and Discovery Network, but most have no idea what is under that umbrella, that is how disordered they become.

Dec 15, 2023 2:48:08 GMT c said:

WBD is still down profitwise from the merge. Down 20% this year. They are canning shit for tax write-offs and canceling a lot of their more expensive shit. Has nothing to do with wrestling really. CNN lost a ton of value, DC movie universe collapsed and burned, their music is making no cash and they are looking to sell it off, the max and discovery streaming merge fizzled and other shit.

So they can get Raw, but it is very unlikely they will as their books are a mess. You mentioned being in marketing, you think the common person is excited when they hear warner brother discovery? Or even know what the hell they produce right now? Like sure it is Warner Brothers and Discovery Network, but most have no idea what is under that umbrella, that is how disordered they become.

I don’t think most people give a shit who produces what program.

And wrestling fans won’t care if WWE is on TNT, TBS, etc,

I love how now that it suits your argument, you’re talking about how shitty WBD and it’s properties are.

But sure, AEW should stay with them. Because they’re so good.

I don't really care where shit ends up as I do not watch cable TV. I do believe context is real, and that Punk is not on the same level of an Hollywood star that is above WWE, as these rumors are suggesting.

My original point was all of these rumors make no sense in context and started in the midst of a ton of punk rumors in the dirt sheets. Which we seen before in AEW when Punk was leaking stuff.

Meanwhile people are acting like AEW is about to get pushed off WBD so they can get Raw based on WBD simply allowing them to make a pitch.

But I am the one out of touch because I do not think WBD is going to breach their contract with Tony based off a single meeting between WWE and WBD.

Dec 15, 2023 3:50:47 GMT c said:

I don't really care where shit ends up as I do not watch cable TV. I do believe context is real, and that Punk is not on the same level of an Hollywood star that is above WWE, as these rumors are suggesting.

My original point was all of these rumors make no sense in context and started in the midst of a ton of punk rumors in the dirt sheets. Which we seen before in AEW when Punk was leaking stuff.

Meanwhile people are acting like AEW is about to get pushed off WBD so they can get Raw based on WBD simply allowing them to make a pitch.

But I am the one out of touch because I do not think WBD is going to breach their contract with Tony based off a single meeting between WWE and WBD.

It’s the last comment that take a slightly bias, but rationale take, off the table.

Do you know the contract? Do you know cancelling is a breach?

A bit of analysis from TheSportster.com

Did AEW Do This To Themselves?

Some will argue that AEW brought these challenges upon themselves. Whether it was due to lack of long-term storytelling visions, catering to an Internet audience and smaller niche fan base, or by frequently referencing WWE and not fully leveraging their talent, they made numerous mistakes that have led to a ratings drop. From there, they failed to allocate resources for Rampage, AEW Dark, and Collision.

A more focused approach with a single show could have been more effective but AEW tried to strike numerous deals and spread themselves thin, especially with Tony Khan trying to micromanage all aspects of creative and production. Doing all of that while WWE gets hot is not ideal timing.

Pity AEW did not last. Close down the forum time? Seems silly to keep it open if we are eulogizing it at this point.

Dec 15, 2023 4:49:08 GMT c said:

Pity AEW did not last. Close down the forum time? Seems silly to keep it open if we are eulogizing it at this point.

I genuinely worry it won’t last. I want it to. Anyone who looks at the current cold product and says “this is built for the long-term!” Is kidding themselves.

If AEW dies under Tony, another fed will rise from it's ashes. One could say AEW itself rose from the ashes of the deaths of CHIKARA and Ring of Honor. Almost all of OG AEW talent worked those feds and took off when they started to die. The ones that did not go AEW went to WWE.

But this been the case since WCW went down. May be on TV like OG Impact or Lucha Underground, may be underground like Ring of Honor or Chikara, but something else will rise as the hot alternative to WWE that people flock to.

Dec 15, 2023 5:47:54 GMT c said:

If AEW dies under Tony, another fed will rise from it's ashes. One could say AEW itself rose from the ashes of the deaths of CHIKARA and Ring of Honor. Almost all of OG AEW talent worked those feds and took off when they started to die. The ones that did not go AEW went to WWE.

But this been the case since WCW went down. May be on TV like OG Impact or Lucha Underground, may be underground like Ring of Honor or Chikara, but something else will rise as the hot alternative to WWE that people flock to.

This is the closest I’ve seen you to conceding it’s not crushing it. So I’ll take it.

AEW is def not crushing things. Booking at best has been acceptable, there is zero long term vision it seems, the women's division is trash, the roster is bloated with people not even appearing on shows because there are no spots and dear fucking lord there are too many belts. I doubt the show is dying though or WBD is lying when they talk it up as one of their most successful shows.

But related to long term AEW stuff, just realized that Regal is still the top scout for WWE. AEW contract renewals gonna get interesting. Those guys Tony keeps sleeping on like Swerve may be getting a call from Regal. And now with HHH in charge, people can get a good feel for what they will be doing in WWE, as there is not one to change things up at the last minute. WWE is set up to raid hard. Everyone is focused on MJF who worked everyone with the whole going to WWE stuff, but guys like Swerve I can easily see getting peeled off. And Swerve was who it was said that HHH reached out to that sent Tony nuclear as they wanted to reform Hit Row.

A lot of guys are signed to 5 year deals, but those are not will likely find WWE coming in hard on the guys that Regal saw the most potential in. Punk will also be pushing for his guys most likely.

Tony better pray non competes hold up too in the US. Department of Labor saying they are not legal, and if that holds, then everyone will be free to quit and jump as they see fit. Same goes for WWE. And the situation wrestlers are in is the exact one the Department of Labor is against.

The thing about WBD keeping the NBA though is that if another company, such as NBC Universal, wants the NBA back, there might not be anything WBD can do about it. The next contract is going to be astronomical. We're talking 6-8 billion or more. And it is being reported by Forbes that WBD and ABC are already looking to televise fewer games, or will bow out entirely.

There's also the factor that the NBA could pivot towards a more streaming-based service. The Utah Jazz have already begun the process by having their own service for the team. Check out Jazz+. It's actually kind of cool. Available in the entire state of Utah because local broadcast rights got so fucked up there the team just said "hey, give us $125 and you can watch every game." Boom. More teams will be doing this and the NBA won't just sit by and let it happen.

Could this mean Disney actually stays in and just pays the money so they can get NBA games on Disney+? Maybe. That company has more money than god so you never know. MLS has seen great success partnering with Apple TV. Obviously the scale is much different, but it is growing rapidly and the potential there has to have the eyes of other leagues and streaming services. Disney would be stupid to not be paying attention to that.

But that leaves WBD out in the cold still. So if all this is apparently hinging on WBD keeping the NBA...



I think you need to look more at the fact that WBD is currently paying $2.6 billion for something as mega profitable as the NBA and is saying to themselves "that's too much, and I definitely wouldn't pay more." If it's true they aren't going to pursue the next NBA rights contract, that might actually be good news! Doesn't mean WBD is cheap necessarily, but it does mean they probably won't be offering the $2 billion-ish the WWE wants for Raw either.

I also don't think the sky is falling either. Regardless of what people think, AEW does well enough on TV that other broadcasters would pick it up in a heartbeat. If WBD drops them (I still don't think they will) the company isn't going to fold overnight and die. They'll just pack up and move.

If WBD drops AEW it isn't so much they can't find someone else. Tony takes things personally and with how loyal he was been to them. It would definitely hurt him emotionally.

Dec 15, 2023 15:31:30 GMT X-zero said:

If WBD drops AEW it isn't so much they can't find someone else. Tony takes things personally and with how loyal he was been to them. It would definitely hurt him emotionally.

Then he should quit his job and just be AEW’s sugar daddy because he’s not cut out for this business or any other business.

…

In lighter news iron maiden locked down our tickets for the May 8th Dynamite/Rampage show in Edmonton. Roughly the same seats as last time. I’m excited. I hope Will Ospreay is there by then.

Dec 15, 2023 17:50:24 GMT RT said:

Dec 15, 2023 15:31:30 GMT X-zero said:

If WBD drops AEW it isn't so much they can't find someone else. Tony takes things personally and with how loyal he was been to them. It would definitely hurt him emotionally.

Then he should quit his job and just be AEW’s sugar daddy because he’s not cut out for this business or any other business.

My dude, I think he’s shown he’s not cut out for this business for a long time now.

Take a sign, we need representation.

Dec 15, 2023 20:13:38 GMT KJ said:

Dec 15, 2023 17:50:24 GMT RT said:

Then he should quit his job and just be AEW’s sugar daddy because he’s not cut out for this business or any other business.

My dude, I think he’s shown he’s not cut out for this business for a long time now.

Inherited money and privilege will only get a man so far.

Tony needs to hire a COO, and take himself out of the booking game.

Dec 15, 2023 20:13:38 GMT KJ said:

Dec 15, 2023 17:50:24 GMT RT said:

Then he should quit his job and just be AEW’s sugar daddy because he’s not cut out for this business or any other business.

My dude, I think he’s shown he’s not cut out for this business for a long time now.

Oh this is not the first time I have said this about TK. I have been saying it ever since his first televised announcement. Brawl Out just confirmed all my worries about how he was running things.

Dec 15, 2023 20:49:28 GMT CM Punk'd said:

Tony needs to hire a COO, and take himself out of the booking game.

This is the ultimate “rich kid” fantasy booking. He’s a collector that bought his way into the industry.

What drives me nuts is TK outside of wrestling is a pretty god damn ruthless businessman. He’s smart, analytical, and decisive.

The vanity project aspect just hasn’t brought out the best in him.

Yeah, but he ain't here to make money, he's here to make friends.

Well SHIT!!!

Kenny Omega just posted a pic from the hospital, and told us that he's out indefinitely.

Just saw the news. That is so upsetting.

Terrible promo aside I was looking forward to the tag match at World’s End. But apparently things were so bad it might have been his last match ever if doctors didn’t catch whatever they caught.

Now we know why he wasn’t in the Continental Classic.

I hope this isn’t the last of him being in the ring and he recovers. Thank goodness I got to see him live last summer. I know that sounds selfish but he has been my favourite wrestler for a long time now and if I never got to see him this news would be much more devastating.

Diverticulitis is what Omega has.

If TK ever let go of the booking duties, I wonder who can replace him.

Dec 15, 2023 23:08:14 GMT Ed said:

If TK ever let go of the booking duties, I wonder who can replace him.

Fine I’ll do it.

I've played EWR, I'm as qualified as TK is.

Dec 15, 2023 23:08:14 GMT Ed said:

If TK ever let go of the booking duties, I wonder who can replace him.

My money is on Jericho within the current roster.

Kenny out indefinitely.  Word is he has diverticulitis, which can be a bitch to heal down.  Sure people will blame his wrestling style for this though.