Report: AEW Not Close To Shockwave TV Deal

AEW Shockwave seemingly won't be on the air anytime soon.

Dave Meltzer was asked on Wrestling Observer Radio when fans could expect AEW Shockwave to become a reality. Meltzer noted it would be "no time soon" and AEW's falling TV ratings ultimately harmed Shockwave's prospects during talks with FOX.

"No time soon. Obviously there were talks with FOX and AEW's numbers fell, that's the key. If their numbers had stayed stronger I think they would have had a lot better shot to get on FOX because there are several nights a week where an AEW show from a year ago or even six months ago could have done better than FOX does on those nights. There are still nights you could do that but it's not as much as a sure thing. The thing with wrestling and the stigma with advertising is that it has to do much better than the [other] programming would," Meltzer said.

All Elite Wrestling filed to trademark 'AEW: Shockwave' in September and it emerged soon after that the promotion was in talks with multiple networks, including FOX, over a new weekly show. As of late October, AEW was still shopping Shockwave around.

Shockwave can air outside of Warner Bros. Discovery properties as AEW's new TV deal with WBD that takes effect in January 2025 is not exclusive.

AEW will be remaining on ITV in the United Kingdom as it was announced today the two sides had agreed to extend their deal.

H/T TJR Wrestling

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