Wrestling Observer Live is back with “Filthy” Tom Lawlor and Lance Storm today to talk about memories of early WCW,AEW Dynamite and Collision reports, Raja Jackson plea, and more! A fun show as always so check it out ~!
Tag: TNT
AEW Collision ends early due to technical issues
UPDATE:
The West Coast feed of AEW Collision ended the same as it did on the East Coast: with ‘Black Adam’.
Similar to the East Coast feed, TNT’s West Coast feed started airing ‘Black Adam’ a half hour early, cutting off the last 30 minutes of Collision. Shortly before 9:30 pm PT, Tony Khan apologized again on social media for the mishap, saying it was due to ongoing transmission issues and the show would go up on Max “ASAP”.
Original story:
Technical problems forced AEW Collision to end early on the east coast.
During Saturday’s show, the Max stream suddenly ended around the 90 minute mark, notifying viewers the show had ended. Ironically on TNT, the film ‘Black Adam’ starring The Rock, which was supposed to follow the show, aired 30 minutes early instead. A few minutes into the movie, the channel began showing a crawl notifying viewers the rest of Collision wouldn’t be airing.
“Due to technical difficulties, AEW Collision is not airing tonight,” it read. “Please check allelitewrestling.com for wrestling updates.”
On social media, Tony Khan wrote that due to problems with the studio transmission, the rest of Collision wouldn’t air on the East Coast but would air in full on the West Coast and would also be avaliable on Max Saturday night.
“We’re having technical problems with our studio transmission of Saturday #AEWCollision tonight! I’m sorry for the inconvenience to all of you great fans! We’ll have the complete show up on @StreamOnMax + in its entirety on @TNTdrama West 8pm PT/9pm MT/10pm CT/11pm ET tonight!,” he wrote.
Two matches ended up not airing on the east coast: Sammy Guevara & Dustin Rhodes vs. Cru in a number one contender’s match for the AEW Tag Team titles and Powerhouse Hobbs vs. Wheeler Yuta, which was to headline.
John Cena appears on TNT’s ‘Inside the NBA’
Late Tuesday night, Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena made an appearance during TNT’s NBA post-game coverage.
Cena stopped by Inside the NBA after the Golden State Warriors defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA playoffs last night. The appearance was to promote season two of Peacemaker, which is set to premiere on Max on August 21. A sneak peek of the new season was shown on Inside the NBA ahead of a full teaser trailer being released this Friday.
Inside the NBA panelist Charles Barkley mentioned that he’s a big wrestling fan and wasn’t happy about Cena turning heel in WWE. Barkley asked Cena if he’s pleasantly surprised by how well he’s been able to transition into Hollywood stardom.
“Life has awarded me so many unbelievable opportunities. Am I surprised about that? Can I swear on the program? Oh — f*ck yes, I am surprised,” Cena responded. “What is happening? What is going on? I’m sitting here with you guys with a [Peacemaker] helmet on my head talking about season two of Peacemaker.”
An impromptu wrestling match between basketball legends broke out during the Inside the NBA broadcast with Shaquille O’Neal pinning Barkley.
The Peacemaker television series was created by James Gunn — the director of the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise — with its first season airing in 2022. It stars Cena as the titular DC Comics character.
Cena won the Undisputed WWE Championship from Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41 and will make his first title defense this Saturday when he faces off against Randy Orton at Backlash.
AEW Collision airing two one-hour episodes during NCAA tournament weekend
During the weekend of March 22-23, AEW Collision will be airing two one-hour episodes.
The TNT schedule lists that AEW will present new Collision episodes on both Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23. The episodes will be one hour each and are slated to begin at 11 p.m. Eastern time, immediately following coverage of games from the second round of the 2025 men’s March Madness college basketball tournament.
These shows are being taped at Liberty First Credit Union Arena in Omaha, Nebraska on Wednesday, March 19 (along with that night’s live episode of Dynamite). They will be broken up into two one-hour broadcasts instead of the traditional two-hour Collision show.
On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer called this an “experiment” for TNT to give Collision two lead-ins from the NCAA tournament that weekend instead of just one.
The Collision episodes are taking place during the build to AEW’s Dynasty pay-per-view, which is being held in Philadelphia on Sunday, April 6.
WBD promotes AEW’s 2023 viewership & demo success
As the final year of their contract is underway with their future together still in doubt, Warner Bros. Discovery sent out a media release Friday touting the ratings and viewership success of AEW in 2023.
Some of the highlights WBD pointed out:
- AEW programming on both TBS & TNT ranked in the top 10 of all cable programming 72 times in what they called the “coveted demo” of under 50. 50 of those occurrences ranked in the top five of the demo.
- AEW programming on TBS & TNT reached 15.6 million total viewers in the fourth quarter, up 3% year-over-year.
- AEW programming reached nearly four million viewers each week across TNT & TBS.
They then shifted to this past Wednesday’s Dynamite which they stated was cable’s “most-watched live sports program on the night among P25-54 and second-most watched live sports program on the night among P18-49. The program was also up double digits in both demos vs. last week’s AEW Dynamite telecast.”
Wednesday’s show averaged 797,000 viewers and an .029 rating in the 18-49 demo. The former was the second-lowest total since October 25th while the demo was the third-highest AEW has done since October 18th.
WBD met with WWE regarding the rights to Raw in December 2023 with CM Punk being credited as reasons talked opened up.
AEW head Tony Khan has repeatedly said he would like to remain on WBD as he believes in loyalty, but that he feels there is a lot of interest in AEW programming. When asked about WBD and WWE talking, Khan said “It’s part of sports.”
AEW to make ‘huge announcement’ on TNT next Wednesday
Tony Khan appeared on AEW Dynamite to hype an announcement that will take place next week on TNT.
Khan appeared on Dynamite Wednesday and said that based on all the talent lining up backstage, that it was clearer than ever that AEW could produce even more content. He said to stay tuned to TNT next Wednesday as a huge announcement will take place. Khan additionally said that AEW Dynamite next week will also follow up on “one of the most important announcements ever in the history of AEW.”
Tune in to TNT next week for one of the biggest announcements EVER made in the history of #AEW! @TonyKhan
Tune in to #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS! pic.twitter.com/hmerbZW37U— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 11, 2023
Earlier in the show, Miro made his return to AEW television by walking into Tony Khan’s office. Later, Thunder Rosa appeared and walked into the office as well, also making her return to television.
It was reported earlier on Wednesday that AEW and Warner Bros. Discovery will announce their new television deal next Wednesday at WBD’s upfronts in New York City. Also set to be announced is AEW Collision, a new weekly two-hour wrestling show that is reportedly set to air on Saturdays starting in June.
CM Punk, who has been gone from AEW since last September following a fight between himself and members of The Elite, is reportedly set to be a part of the new Saturday show.
Planned AEW Saturday TV show to air on TNT
If a new AEW TV show on Saturday nights is happening, it will be on TNT.
Andrew Zarian tweeted Monday that while TBS has been rumored as the destination, “I’m being told that TNT will land the new show.”
The new show in question has been rumored to be called AEW Collision that will air from 8-10 PM Eastern weekly and will feature CM Punk as the central star.
It would be the second AEW show to currently air on TNT with Rampage being the other. Dynamite moved to TBS from TNT in January 2022.
On Friday, our Dave Meltzer reported that Punk’s anticipated return will happen on Saturday, June 17th at a yet-to-be announced event at the United Center in Chicago which would “likely” be the debut for said show.
Several outlets have reported on the possibility of either a soft or hard brand split associated with the new show due to certain talents not wanting to work together.
Neither AEW head Tony Khan, Punk or anyone have commented publicly on all of the rumors. Khan is set to appear on Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite where the news could be revealed.
Wrestling Observer Radio: RAW report, Mike Masters, TNT, All Elite Women, ratings, more!
Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back with tons to talk about including the deaths of TNT and Mike Masters, All Elite Women, ratings, Tales from the Territories, RAW from Monday night with the start of the women’s tag team tournament and more. A fun show as always so check it out~!
Timestamps:
Start: TNT, Mike Masters pass away
11:18: All Elite Women trademark
13:32: Sammy Guevara, Tay Conti get married
14:19: Ratings
18:44: Tales from the Territories to premiere in October
25:52: Bryan Alvarez is wrestling All Out weekend
27:36: Dexter Lumis back in WWE, more thoughts on Karrion Kross returning
39:10: Raw recap
GCW to co-promote UK show with TNT Extreme Wrestling
GCW is headed to the United Kingdom.
GCW and TNT Extreme Wrestling announced today that they will be co-promoting the Supreme Extreme event later this year. Tweets from TNT indicate that the show will feature TNT talent vs. GCW talent in a brand vs. brand show.
💥 THE WAIT IS OVER! 🔥
TNT EXTREME WRESTLING V GCW… it’s happening!
FINALLY COMING IN 2022! @GCWrestling_ #GCW #TNTextremeWrestling pic.twitter.com/SuuCkjSVNl
— TNT Extreme Wrestling (@TNTExtremeWres) February 3, 2022
No talent or matches have been announced for the event as of yet. The video announcing the co-promotion promises that more information regarding the show will be released soon.
Late last month, the Liverpool-based TNT Extreme Wrestling also announced a partnership with PROGRESS Wrestling after PROGRESS’s new owners revealed that they have invested in TNT as well.
TNT held their DOA Deathmatch Tournament earlier today, while PROGRESS returns with Chapter 128: Technique on Sunday, February 6 in Manchester.
GCW’s has two events this weekend, with Fightclub 2: Houston set for Friday, and If I Die First set for Dallas on Saturday. Both shows will air on FITE TV.
‘Rhodes to the Top’ renewed for second season on TNT
The Cody and Brandi Rhodes-led reality series Rhodes to the Top has been renewed for a second season on TNT, according to Dave Meltzer.
First announced in March, the series debuted in September with six one-hour episodes focusing on the couple navigating their personal lives, the birth of their first child and backstage happenings in AEW.
Meltzer didn’t report any other details in terms of debut date or the number of episodes.
The first season averaged 360,000 viewers and a .15 rating in the 18-49 demo. After starting with over 400,000 viewers, it declined with every subsequent episode but two of the episodes aired on Saturdays instead of its usual Wednesday timeslot after Dynamite.
The show is produced by Warner Bros. Unscripted Television and Shed Media with AEW’s Tony Khan listed as an executive producer.
Aside from Rhodes to the Top, AEW Dynamite and AEW Rampage, Cody Rhodes is one of the judges on the competition program Go Big Show which also got picked up for a second season on TBS.
AEW announces Battle of the Belts special event for January
AEW has confirmed their Battle of the Belts special event for Saturday, January 8.
The company confirmed tonight during Dynamite that the show will air live on TNT from the Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina. Tickets will go on sale this Saturday, November 27 at 10 am ET. No matches were announced for the card.
Earlier this month, Tony Khan confirmed reports that the Battle of the Belts special for January 8 was happening. It was not mentioned on Dynamite tonight how long the special would be.
The special comes as Dynamite is set to move to TBS on January 5, while Rampage will remain on TNT. The name Battle of the Belts comes from a series of supercards held by Eddie Graham’s territory in Florida from 1985 through 1987.
AEW’s next special, Winter is Coming, will be a Dynamite event held in Garland, Texas on December 15.
AEW Dynamite moving to TBS on January 5, Rampage staying on TNT
The official date for AEW Dynamite moving to TBS became official Thursday along with news that Rampage will remain on TNT.
Dynamite will begin in their new U.S. broadcast home on January 5, 2022, first announced in Variety. Until that time, the show will remain on TNT in their usual day and time as expected outside two October NHL preemptions that will see them move to Saturday.
Originally tabbed for TBS as well, Rampage will now remain on TNT in the same Friday 10 PM Eastern time slot it currently occupies. No reason was given for the change in direction.
When the TBS move and the Rampage name was first rolled out in May, four new TNT specials kicking off in 2022 were also announced. While not mentioned in the Variety story, it appears those will remain on TNT as planned.
AEW will air a special two-hour edition of Rampage this Friday that was taped at Wednesday’s sold-out Grand Slam event at Queens, New York’s Arthur Ashe Stadium.
May 24, 2021 Observer Newsletter: AEW to TBS, Ospreay vacates IWGP World Heavyweight title
Due to a number of reasons, the key one being TNT picking up the NHL, WarnerMedia will be moving AEW Dynamite and Rampage to TBS starting in January.
After negotiations that went very quickly, so quickly that the television situation in key foreign markets like the U.K. and Canada were not settled, a series of deals were put into place.
The main show, Dynamite, will continue to run 8-10 p.m. on Wednesdays, but be moved from TNT to TBS. AEW received an eight figure fee increase to move the show since the prior contract called for it being on TNT through the end of 2023. It is believed the new deal for the complete package was not extended from the original deal.
Rampage, the second show, will debut on Friday nights from 10-11 p.m. on TNT on 8/13, and also be moved to TBS in January.
Rampage will generally be taped on Wednesday nights but there will be special Friday night live tapings on PPV weeks. It appears they will run in the city they are doing the PPV in. For example, on 11/5, it was already announced for a taping at the Chaifetz Center in St. Louis, and Full Gear will be in the same building on 11/6.
Tony Khan discusses AEW time slot following NHL-Turner Sports deal
Tony Khan has commented on a recent deal between the NHL and Turner Sports and how the deal may have an effect on AEW’s time slot.
On Busted Open Radio, Khan said that the Wednesday night on TNT slot was their home, but they would consider moving if it was a good deal for both the company and its fans.
“I know Wednesday night is our slot and our home,” he said. “I’m thrilled with our partnership with TNT. It’s the lifeblood of our company and our primary revenue source and t’s the way most fans get exposed to AEW and see our show. And tonight and every night that we do Dynamite, for a lot of wrestling fans, it’s a really important night of the week. So I want everyone to [be] rest assured that they’re not going to have to worry about these kinds of major…you know, we have a contract with over two and a half years left for Wednesday nights in this slot. And if there was ever an opportunity to move or if there was a deal to be had, I would consider it. If we did something, it would have to be a really good deal for AEW and it would have to make sense for us. As it stands right now, that is the spot we’re in. If we move, I would certainly consider a deal if there was something in it for AEW.”
NHL and Turner Sports announced a seven-year media rights deal this week that will see NHL games air on both TNT and TBS beginning in the 2021-22 season. There has been no indication regarding what days NHL will air on either station.
Cody & Brandi ‘Rhodes to the Top’ reality series coming to TNT
A new reality series starring Cody Rhodes and Brandi Rhodes is coming to TNT.
Announced on Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite, “Rhodes to the Top” will be centered around Cody and Brandi as they balance their personal and professional lives.
No release date was announced, but a press release stated that episodes will be 30 minutes long. Warner Brothers Unscripted Television is producing the series in association with Shed Media. AEW president Tony Khan is listed as an executive producer for the show.
In a statement attributed to both Cody and Brandi, the couple revealed what viewers can expect from the series: “Since the late 1960s, the Rhodes family has been in one spotlight or another. People think they know us, but this show is the first true look behind the curtain and beyond the ring.”
The couple announced on the December 16, 2020 Dynamite that they are expecting a baby. They held a gender reveal on the February 17th Dynamite and announced that they are expecting a daughter.
“AEW fans know Brandi and Cody inside the ring, and ‘Rhodes to the Top’ will peel back the curtain of their lives off the mat. Running a business together as the stars of ‘Dynamite,’ juggling friends and family, and introducing a new baby into the Rhodes dynasty is sure to be a wild ride,” Corie Henson, Head of Unscripted for TBS, TNT and truTV, said in the release.
Khan is also quoted in the release, adding that a third hour of AEW programming is set for TNT later in 2021.
“With our flagship show Dynamite and now Rhodes To The Top, in addition to our third hour of wrestling programming coming to TNT later this year, 2021 will be a historic year for AEW and our partnership with WarnerMedia,” Khan said.
A trailer for the new series can be seen below.