Warner Bros. Discovery may cut scripted shows on AEW's TV network
AEW TV networks TNT and TBS could have their scripted shows cut, as stated in a recent report by Variety.
Discovery Inc, a multinational media conglomerate, recently finalized its merger with WarnerMedia. While Warner is better known for their various silver screen outings, the company owns TNT and TBS - the broadcasting homes of Rampage and Dynamite, respectively.
A recent report from Jennifer Maas of Variety states that Discovery will no longer produce new scripted shows for the television networks. According to the report, Warner Bros. Discovery has not yet clarified what this move could mean for AEW's shows.
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It's no secret that professional wrestling is scripted to some degree, which is notably why Vince McMahon pushed for WWE to be classified as Sports Entertainment. However, with AEWs preference to lean toward wrestling, this could influence Warner Discovery's stance towards their programming.
All Elite Wrestling still currently has a TV deal that's set to expire in December 2023. However, in light of the current report, negotiations between the two sides might commence soon in order to reach a new agreement.
Tony Schiavone believes the Warner/Discovery merger bodes well for an AEW streaming service
During Tony Schiavone's What Happened When podcast, the veteran broadcaster opened up about the merger between Warner and Discovery. According to Schiavone, the new partnership could result in the promotion landing a streaming deal.
“If this merger comes, and as we’ve been reading, they’ve been clearing out a lot of people, it seems to me they are really big into streaming services," said Schiavone. "What I hope this means is that we are finally going to have a streaming service. In other words, we are finally going to have our own network where we can show our old shows." (H/T: WrestlingNews.co)
Warner Bros. Discovery's new stance could undoubtedly concern fans of All Elite Wrestling. However, if Schiavone's hopes come true, the deal could end up working out far more in the promotion's favor than originally anticipated.