After WWE SmackDown moves out of FOX, AEW could join the network - Reports
AEW and WWE are both facing major changes when it comes to their television products. RAW and SmackDown are moving to new channels, while AEW is set to announce a new media rights deal amid rumors of a new network partner. There's increased talk about Tony Khan potentially linking up with a longtime WWE partner.
SmackDown just finished up on FOX and will be returning to the USA Network next Friday as Netflix prepares to welcome RAW in January. All Elite Wrestling and Warner Bros. Discovery are expected to announce an extension of their media rights deal for Dynamite, Rampage, and Collision, but rumors came down this weekend on potential new AEW programming for a non-WBD entity. The rumor mill on AEW's outside negotiations picked up after a new show called Shockwave was revealed.
Shockwave appears to be a new All Elite show being developed. Sean Ross Sapp noted on a new Fightful Select Q&A session that he's heard rumors about Shockwave potentially landing on FOX.
Rumors on FOX being interested in Shockwave after losing SmackDown were also acknowledged. However, it was noted that there's been nothing "really solid" on the rumors as of late.
Khan was asked about Shockwave during the All Out media scrum. He would not confirm a new show in the works, but said it's safe to say the company is going to create a "Shockwave" throughout the industry, and will continue to send that "Shockwave" across the world of pro wrestling.
Konosuke Takeshita issues challenge; AEW on notice
Konosuke Takeshita and Don Callis have put the rest of All Elite Wrestling on notice. The duo delivered the warning after All Out on Saturday.
All Out 2024 saw Kazuchika Okada retain the Continental Championship over Takeshita, Mark Briscoe, and Orange Cassidy. There was a focus put on Okada and Takeshita during the match. As seen below, Callis ranted about how Takeshita's dominance of the company is inevitable.
Takeshita ended the segment with a challenge to Okada for a one-on-one singles match. The first-ever Takeshita vs. Okada singles bout, with the Continental Championship on the line, is rumored for WrestleDream on October 12.