WWE Backlash Goes Boricua and AEW Gets Adrenaline Shot with ALL IN London (ep.766)

WWE's recent media rights negotiations and the impending Endeavor merger continue to be two of the most talked-about topics over the past few weeks. WWE holds their first quarter earnings call to discuss the state of WWE's current media rights deals with NBCUniversal and Fox expire in September 2024, and the company is reportedly seeking a substantial increase in the value of those deals with the help of Endeavor on board to negotiate.
Plus, when Roman Reigns became the Unified WWE 'World Heavyweight Champion', it was a watershed moment for the company. It was the first time in its history that a single champion had held both the WWE championship and the Universal championship at the same time. Has WWE made the right call to bring in a secondary belt. Despite the critical acclaim it received, it had originally not been part of WWE's plan.
The move happened when WWE chose to unify the titles of the Universal Championship and the WWE Championship, a move that had been planned for some time. However, when the company reviewed the potential unification scenarios for the titles, the realization dawned that Reigns had the potential to become the unified champion. It was then that WWE decided to seize the moment and utilize this opportunity to give Reigns the mantle of the unified champion.
Reigns embodied what it means to be the WWE champion; a champion of the people and a symbol of hope. It was a momentous occasion, one that made history in the realm of professional wrestling. Roman Reigns had become the Unified Champion – and it hadn’t been part of WWE's original plan. Cody Rhodes still prioritizes beating Roman Reigns for the Unified WWE Universal Championship.
As reported by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, All Elite Wrestling and Warner Bros. have finalized their negotiations. This means that AEW Dark and Dark: Elevation will be done for now as AEW Dynamite will be the only wrestling programming on WarnerMedia channels.
The report states that the deal was reached last week and both sides are happy with the outcome. AEW will still air on TNT and be produced by Warner Horizon Unscripted Television. The new deal will run through 2023.
This is a huge win for AEW and cements their place as one of the top wrestling companies in the world. WarnerMedia is one of the largest media conglomerates and this deal will help AEW reach a wider audience.
WWE action coming this weekend at Backlash Puerto Rico! The Bloodline will take on Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, and Matt Riddle in what promises to be an intense match. Cody Rhodes and Brock Lesnar will also go head-to-head in a highly anticipated showdown. And don't miss the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship match between Rhea Ripley and Zelina Vega, as well as the WWE United States Championship match featuring Austin Theory, Bobby Lashley, and Bronson Reed. Seth Rollins and Omos will also face off in an exciting match. Plus, the WWE Raw Women's Championship will be on the line as Bianca Belair defends her title against IYO SKY. And finally, the San Juan Street Fight between Bad Bunny and Damian Priest is sure to be a highlight of the night.
WWE Backlash
The Bloodline (Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso & Solo Sikoa) vs. Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn & Matt Riddle
Cody Rhodes vs. Brock Lesnar
WWE SmackDown Women's Championship | Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Zelina Vega
WWE United States Championship | Austin Theory (c) vs. Bobby Lashley vs. Bronson Reed
Seth Rollins vs. Omos
WWE Raw Women's Championship | Bianca Belair (c) vs. IYO SKY
San Juan Street Fight | Bad Bunny vs. Damian Priest
Complete WWE Draft results (Raw, SmackDown, and free agents)
https://wrestlingnews.co/wwe-news/complete-wwe-draft-results-raw-smackdown-and-free-agents
WWE Q1 2023 Earnings Call Highlights: Comments On Media Rights Negotiations, Endeavor Merger
https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wwe-q1-2023-earnings-call-highlights-comments-media-rights-negotiations-endeavor-merger-more
WWE quarterly revenue falls on delay in key event https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/wwe-quarterly-revenue-falls-delay-key-event-2023-05-03/
WWE Not Impacted By WGA Strike, CEO Nick Khan Says, But “Hopeful” For Deal Soon; Talks Rights Renewals, Endeavor Merger
https://deadline.com/2023/05/wga-strike-wwe-not-impacted-ceo-nick-khan-fox-nbcuniversal-endeavor-1235354802/
Roman Reigns Becoming The Unified Champion Wasn't Originally Part Of WWE's Plan.
A positive COVID test and an unplanned Lesnar win are to blame for both titles being in the hands of one man.
https://www.thesportster.com/roman-reigns-becoming-unified-champion-not-wwe-original-plan/
Despite Being on Separate Brands, Beating Roman Reigns for the WWE Universal Title Is Still “The Most Important Thing” to Cody Rhodes
https://thesportsrush.com/wwe-news-despite-being-on-separate-brands-beating-roman-reigns-for-the-wwe-universal-title-is-still-the-most-important-thing-to-cody-rhodes/
Trinity Fatu left WWE 'because of the way I was talked to and handled' and it was 'the lowest I've ever felt in my life'
https://wrestlingnews.co/wwe-news/trinity-fatu-left-wwe-because-of-the-way-i-was-talked-to-and-handled-and-it-was-the-lowest-ive-ever-felt-in-my-life
AEW Dark & Dark Elevation done for now as AEW and Warner Bros Discovery Negotiations are being finalized to a new program Collision and give Ring of Honor a weekly TV home.
AEW Dark & Dark Elevation done for now due to new exclusivity deal with WBD https://www.f4wonline.com/news/aew/aew-dark-dark-elevation-done-for-now-due-to-new-exclusivity-deal-with-wbd
Over 35,000 tickets sold so far during AEW All In pre-sale
https://wrestlingnews.co/aew-news/over-35000-tickets-sold-so-far-during-aew-all-in-pre-sale
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