Amazon and Disney Enter the Ring as SmackDown’s Future Hangs in the Balance
The world of professional wrestling is no stranger to high-stakes drama, and the latest buzz around WWE’s television rights negotiations is no exception. As the current deals reach their climax, speculation runs rampant about the fate of WWE’s flagship programs. While RAW and NXT seem poised to stay put on the USA Network, SmackDown’s future is far from certain.
Recent reports suggest that FOX, the current home of SmackDown, is distancing itself from the blue brand and WWE as a whole. This development opens the door to new possibilities and potential partnerships. The two heavyweight contenders currently vying for SmackDown’s affections are none other than Amazon and Disney.
On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer shared insights into WWE’s ongoing television rights discussions. He revealed that both Amazon and Disney have expressed keen interest in acquiring SmackDown, a move that could see the blue brand landing on either Amazon Prime or ABC.
Meltzer explains, “There’s a feeling that FOX is not going to go for the 300 [million], which is what WWE is trying to get out of Smackdown or more, and that Disney and Amazon are probably the two companies most in contention for it. And if it’s Disney, I brought up ABC or probably FX.”
The possibility of SmackDown finding its home on ABC raises intriguing questions, especially given the network’s existing programming. While ABC’s “2020” and “Shark Tank” have had their share of success, SmackDown consistently outperforms them in terms of viewership. However, SmackDown could potentially fetch higher ad rates for ABC, making it a complex decision.
Disney and Amazon both offer compelling prospects for SmackDown’s future. Recent sightings of Triple H with Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos have fueled speculation that Amazon might be in the lead. WWE’s history of securing lucrative television deals suggests that the blue brand’s next move will come with a substantial price tag.
As WWE’s business continues to grow, the stakes in these negotiations get higher. While only time will reveal SmackDown’s ultimate destination, one thing is certain: the show is set to bring in a substantial sum wherever it lands.
