AEW currently runs three major shows: Dynamite, Rampage, and Collision. Launched in 2019, Dynamite serves as the promotion’s flagship weekly show. Building on its success, AEW introduced Rampage in 2021, nearly two years after Dynamite’s debut. Rampage started strongly, highlighted by CM Punk’s return to professional wrestling and marking a significant moment in the promotion.
In 2023, AEW expanded further with Collision, which debuted on June 17. This show marked CM Punk’s return following the controversial “Brawl Out” incident with The Elite. Thus, the addition of Dynamite, Rampage, and Collision has helped AEW establish itself as a major force in professional wrestling.
Despite Rampage’s initial success, it has since diminished in importance, especially with the launch of Collision in 2023. Rampage has become the least significant of AEW’s weekly shows. Recent reports indicate that the show might face cancellation amid rumors of a new deal with FOX.
AEW Rampage might be canceled in new TV deal
WWE, AEW’s competitor, has partnered with FOX since 2019 to broadcast SmackDown. Recently, FOX concluded its relationship with the promotion, and SmackDown now airs on the USA Network. NXT is preparing to debut on The CW network starting in October, while RAW is gearing up for its highly anticipated Netflix debut in 2025. Until then, RAW and NXT will continue to air on the USA Network.
With FOX ending its deal with WWE, the network is exploring the possibility of featuring more wrestling content. Reports suggest that FOX is currently in discussions with AEW. Earlier this month, AEW filed a trademark for “AEW Shockwave,” sparking excitement among fans about a potential new weekly show. Following the trademark reports, speculation began that Shockwave could land on FOX as part of a new deal.
Amid these developments, wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer recently indicated that AEW Rampage might be discontinued. Instead, the promotion’s new third show, likely called Shockwave, could be pitched to FOX and potentially other networks.
John Ourand at Puck also reported that the new TV rights deal with WBD is a four-year contract, with three years guaranteed and the fourth optional. The promotion will likely receive around $170 million per year. The programming will continue on TNT and TBS, with TruTV also hosting content as WBD shifts the network towards sports.
Ourand also reported that the promotion is pitching a new package primarily to major broadcast channels, including ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, Telemundo, Univision, CW, and ION. Although the rumored deal with FOX isn’t official yet, the potential cancellation of Rampage is disappointing news for fans of the show.
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