Last week in an article written by Tony Maglio from The Wrap, it was announced that a deal between All Elite Wrestling and Turner Media was “virtually done.” This information was confirmed this morning via an official press release from AEW.
AEW announced that the partnership will begin with their inaugural event next week on Bleacher Report Live. The pre-show, dubbed “The Buy In,” will stream on WarnerMedia and AEW’s social channels and is expected to run for one hour.
In addition to information for streaming Double or Nothing, AEW provided limited details regarding television. “WarnerMedia will provide exclusive multi-platform access for fans to watch AEW events, airing live weekly matches on TNT in prime time, as well as streaming them through WarnerMedia’s B/R Live and on pay-per-view. A leading digital sports enterprise, B/R Live’s high fan engagement will provide an invaluable opportunity to build AEW’s audience.”
Brandi Rhodes, Chief Branding Officer of AEW, reacted on Twitter.
Michael Quigley, executive Vice President, commercial operations, content strategy and monetization, TBS and TNT, stated “it is high-adrenaline, gripping entertainment and we can’t wait to bring it to fans everywhere with this game-changing new business.”
Information regarding a name or air date for a weekly AEW episode. Whenever that episode does air, this will mark the first episode of professional wrestling on Turner Media since WCW’s last episode of Nitro, March 26, 2001.
The news comes as a surprise to no one. Turner Media was expected to be announced as the official partner for AEW since the company was announced in January. Rumors suggesting AEW purchased airtime from Turner Media are unconfirmed at this time.
“Wrestling fans have wanted – and needed – something different, authentic and better for far too long,” said Tony Khan, President and CEO of AEW.
The full press release can be seen below:
Just in time for Double or Nothing, we finally have an official partnership. Bleacher Report Live is a platform accessible to everyone in the United States. Will you be watching AEW’s inaugural event on Bleacher Report Live on May 25th?
belltobelles.com 