The Landscape of WWE Programming Faces Significant Changes in the Wake of the Endeavor Merger
The wrestling world is abuzz with the recent announcement that SmackDown will return to the USA Network starting in 2024. This monumental shift, a result of a five-year agreement between WWE and NBCUniversal, could potentially see RAW, a staple of Monday nights, being rescheduled to a different day.
The merger between UFC and WWE, orchestrated by Endeavor, culminated in the formation of TKO Group Holdings, a new entity in the public trading sphere. While many facets of the company underwent changes, the intention remains to keep the media rights deals for both WWE and UFC distinct.
During Bloomberg’s Screentime conference, Ari Emanuel, the CEO of both Endeavor and TKO, shed light on the flexibility and adaptability of WWE programming. He emphasized the year-round nature of WWE, highlighting its absence of a seasonal structure, which sets it apart from other sports. According to Emanuel, this continuous engagement ensures that fans remain loyal and committed, reducing the churn often seen in seasonal sports.
Emanuel’s comments hint at the possibility of RAW being moved from its traditional Monday slot, depending on the requirements of the new deal. Such a change could be a significant departure from the norm for long-time WWE fans.
While the fate of RAW and WWE NXT remains under wraps, it’s evident that the recent merger and subsequent decisions are set to redefine the viewing patterns for WWE enthusiasts.
