For the first time in nearly two decades, WWE’s Monday Night Raw could be on the move to a new network. With the recent announcement that WWE’s Friday Night SmackDown will return to the USA Network in 2024, the search for new homes for both Monday Night Raw and NXT has begun.
The WWE’s ongoing television rights deals have been a hot topic, especially following the merger with UFC to form TKO Group Holdings. Raw’s potential departure from the USA Network, where it has been since its inception in 1993 (with a brief stint on TNN/Spike TV), has opened up various possibilities.
Here are five potential suitors for Monday Night Raw as WWE explores new homes for its longest-running weekly episodic program:
- Disney: The idea of WWE landing on Disney seems plausible, given Disney’s extensive reach and relationships, particularly through ESPN. WWE President Nick Khan’s ties with ESPN could facilitate this partnership, and there’s speculation about a joint streaming deal between WWE and UFC, both of which are now part of TKO. Logistics, such as scheduling, might need to be worked out, but Disney remains a strong contender.
- NBC Universal: While USA Network will no longer host Raw, NBC Universal, its parent company, still has potential platforms like Peacock or even NBC itself to consider. Diversifying rights is appealing, but the history between WWE and NBC Universal makes it a viable candidate, especially considering the financial incentives.
- Amazon: The sighting of WWE’s Paul “Triple H” Levesque with Amazon’s Jeff Bezos at a recent event suggests potential interest. Amazon has ventured into live sports with Thursday Night Football, and WWE’s Raw could bolster its live programming. Amazon’s established presence in live events makes it a solid contender.
- Netflix: While WWE President Nick Khan praised Netflix’s potential as a live programming partner in the past, the streaming giant has been slow to adopt live content. At this point, platforms like ESPN+ or Amazon Prime, with established live event infrastructure, seem more suitable for Raw.
- Warner Bros. Discovery: Warner Bros. Discovery hosts WWE’s biggest rival, AEW, but its deal with AEW is set to expire soon. While AEW might remain, it’s intriguing that no new TV deal has been announced. Warner Bros. Discovery has previously shown interest in WWE, making it a longshot but still worth monitoring.
These potential destinations highlight the uncertainty surrounding Monday Night Raw’s future. Until WWE secures a new agreement, all options remain on the table.
