Earlier this month, WWE and the USA Network moved NXT from Wednesday nights to Tuesday nights, which ended the Wednesday Night Wars with AEW Dynamite, due to the belief that since NBCSN would be shutting down this fall, NHL games would air on Wednesday nights on the USA Network.
NBC Sports opted not to renew its long-running deal with NHL and Turner Sports has now signed up to share the TV rights for the league with ESPN. Turner is the parent company of TNT.
Dave Meltzer talked about the situation on the latest Wrestling Observer Radio. NHL usually has a big Wednesday TV game, but based on what he’s heard so far, this new TV deal with the NHL and Turner Sports “will not affect AEW.” He added, “AEW will stay in its timeslot, and NHL will probably end up on TBS or a different night.”
AEW President Tony Khan commented on the possibility of AEW moving off Wednesday nights while speaking on Busted Open Radio.
“I know Wednesday night is our slot and our home,” said Khan. “I’m thrilled with our partnership with TNT. It’s the lifeblood of our company and our primary revenue source. It’s the way most fans get exposed to AEW and see our show. Every Wednesday that we do Dynamite, for a lot of wrestling fans, it’s a really important night of the week. I want everyone rest assured that they’re not going to have to worry about these kind of major….we have a contract with over two and a half years left for Wednesday nights in this slot. If there was ever an opportunity to move or a deal to be had, I would consider it. If we did something, it would have to be a really good deal for AEW and make sense for us. As it stands right now, that is the spot we’re in. If we move, I would certainly consider a deal if there was something in it for AEW.”
H/T to Fightful
