In a press release sent out by WarnerMedia Partners this morning, it was announced that All Elite Wrestling will begin airing weekly matches on TNT later this year. It was also confirmed that WarnerMedia will provide “exclusive multi-platform access for fans to watch AEW events.” This relates to not only the aforementioned weekly programming but pay-per-views as well. B/R Live, which is operated by WarnerMedia, was specifically noted.
Breaking News – @AEWrestling to air on @TNTDrama #AEW pic.twitter.com/movdS7UKgk
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEWrestling) May 15, 2019
Via B/R Live, viewers in the United States and Canada will be able to watch AEW Double or Nothing, which will air live on May 25th from Las Vegas, Nevada. Pricing was announced on Twitter as well; the event will be available for $49.99. For viewers in the United Kingdom, ITV will carry Double or Nothing for viewing, via ITV Box Office, at £14.95; this translates to roughly $19.44 in American currency. Stars such as Cody, and Matt and Nick Jackson have worked diligently to help secure a deal for some time.
The biggest day of our professional careers and we couldn’t get to where we’re at without the support from you fans. Thank you for helping us make this possible. Wrestling needs this. It’s time for a change! #AEWonTNT
— Being the Elite (@BeingTheElite) May 15, 2019
Later in the press release, it was stated that AEW will offer fans, “less scripted, soapy drama, and more athleticism and real sports analytics.” On the surface, this could relate to a greater level of importance in regard to wins and losses, but it’s safe to assume that it will apply to all aspects of AEW’s programming. Damage to opponents, move analysis, and winning streaks were just a few examples of the promotion’s focus toward a sports-oriented approach detailed in the release.
The @AEWrestling stars flexing' on everyone at #WarnerMediaUpfront ? #AEW pic.twitter.com/H6uvasdGNP
— TNTDrama (@tntdrama) May 15, 2019
Sutter’s Synopsis: To say that this news shook the wrestling world would be an understatement. Professional wrestling has been absent from TNT since 2001 when WCW Nitro aired its final episode. Since then, there hasn’t been much in the way of serious competition for World Wrestling Entertainment, which remains the largest enterprise in the industry. While All Elite Wrestling remains in its infancy, it’s easy to see why fans, critics, and wrestlers alike are excited.
Would you have ever imagined? https://t.co/AlsiGiC6xM
— The Young Bucks® (@MattJackson13) May 15, 2019
We’ve followed the promotion since its announcement in January, but one of my concerns was that there was little to nothing announced about television. Now that AEW finds itself on the same platform that WCW did roughly two decades ago, there will be more eyes on the product than what may have been anticipated. This creates competition in the industry and, by proxy, more options for fans and performers. In other words, everyone benefits from All Elite Wrestling airing on TNT.
