In a major development, WWE has secured a deal with the USA Network to keep Monday Night RAW on air until the end of 2024. The news comes as a relief to fans, as the promotion’s deal with NBCUniversal for RAW was set to expire in October, leaving a significant gap before its move to Netflix in 2025. According to TKO Group Holdings’ First Quarter Earnings report, WWE has inked a $25 million media rights deal to ensure RAW remains on the USA Network until the end of the year.
This deal is a significant coup for WWE, as it ensures continuity for its flagship show until the highly anticipated move to Netflix next year. The 10-year deal with Netflix, worth millions, is set to revolutionize the way WWE content is consumed, providing the promotion with a massive platform to reach a global audience.
Furthermore, WWE has also announced that SmackDown will be moving from Fox to the USA Network later this year. This strategic move is expected to strengthen the promotion’s presence on the network, providing fans with a seamless viewing experience.
Meanwhile, NXT is set to make the switch from the USA Network to The CW Network later this year. This move is expected to expose NXT to a new audience, further expanding WWE’s reach across different demographics.
In other news, wrestling journalist Bill Apter recently shared his thoughts on WWE’s ratings, which have seen a downturn following WrestleMania XL last month in Philadelphia. Apter attributed the dip in ratings to an oversaturated product, hinting that WWE may need to reassess its content strategy to regain viewer interest.
In more positive news, WWE’s recent Backlash 2024 event in France was a success, and the promotion is gearing up for the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments, which kicked off on Monday Night RAW. The winners of the tournaments will be crowned at King and Queen of the Ring in Saudi Arabia on May 25.
As WWE navigates this period of change, fans can rest assured that RAW will continue to be a staple on the USA Network until the end of the year. With SmackDown set to follow suit, WWE is poised to make a significant impact on the world of sports entertainment in the months to come.
