CM Punk’s return to WWE has introduced a new dimension to the negotiations for the next TV deals. The imminent expiration of WWE’s TV rights deal with NBC Universal in October 2024 has set the stage for a blockbuster negotiation showdown. Fresh contracts have been secured for SmackDown and NXT, placing the blue brand on USA Network and the black and yellow brand on CW in October 2024.
Now, all eyes are on the red brand as WWE aims for a knockout deal, marking its longest-running show for almost three decades. Intriguingly, CM Punk has added a new dimension with speculation about Punk’s potential impact on WWE’s bargaining power.
Wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer took to social media to shed light on the seismic shifts behind closed doors. Meltzer’s insight reveals that Punk is more than just a marquee name; he’s a game-changer in the negotiation playbook.
Check out his tweet below:
RAW will continue to air on the USA Network until September 2024. However, there are rumors that red brand could move to a new network, such as FX or Warner Bros. Discovery, with Amazon Prime also in the race.
Will CM Punk play a major role in WWE’s next TV deal?
The big question is whether CM Punk will play a major role in WWE RAW’s next TV deal, and the answer is yes. Since his return to WWE, Punk has brought in huge ratings for RAW. Additionally, he has generated a six-figure amount in merchandise sales for his Survivor Series: WarGames T-shirt.
Upon his return to AEW after the All Out media scrum in June for the debut episode of Collision, Punk disclosed that David Zaslov, the CEO of Warner Brothers Discovery, bestowed upon him the nickname “One Bill Phil.” This alias suggests that featuring Punk on a show might lead to securing a TV rights deal worth one billion dollars.
As CM Punk has exclusively signed a deal to be a member of the RAW roster, it will be intriguing to observe the potential impact on the next TV deal for the red brand.
