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The latest Rumor Roundup touched on it, and whet my appetite for more information on what exactly Jim Ross - the WWE Hall of Famer revealed this week as lead voice and senior advisor for All Elite Wrestling - said about AEW’s television plans.
There’s been no concrete announcement from vice-presidents Cody Rhodes, The Young Bucks & Kenny Omega or owners the Khans about TV, and rumors have been all over the place. Shortly after they formally launched All Elite, word was they were choosing between a handful of television deals. As time went by with no formal news, Rhodes seemed to downplay the importance of having a television show as “the end all be all”, and Omega didn’t seem completely satisfied with what he’d heard. Talk of a monthly PPV model spread.
It’s seemed that an official statement about how fans will be able to watch AEW was the piece missing from the puzzle. It may have even been dampening general enthusiasm for the new promotion (the All Elite faithful won’t waver, of course).
Putting an announce team in place was a big step, though. And while it’s not a formal announcement, JR was pretty clear about the direction they’re headed while on WFAN with Chris Carlin, Maggie Gray and Bart Scott yesterday (April 5):
“It’s overwhelming for me. You know, to be 67 years old and be anointed the voice of a brand that’s gonna be debuting in October on national television on a major cable network, which can’t be named now, but I can tell you it’s very exciting. And when people hear what network we’re going on, they’re gonna be doubly excited, because it’s a network we can all find...
... I think what they’re shooting for is a more athletic presentation. It will less be - hopefully be less eye rolling than the sophomore drama class trying to convince you in a 10 minute promo that - of anything they’re saying. It’s too long. Our audiences can’t handle that.
The weekly, two hour live television show will premiere in October.”
That’s pretty much everything but a channel, night and time. Which still leaves plenty to speculate about - including if Ross was suppose to spill the beans during a radio appearance.
Give us your thoughts below, and we’ll keep you posted on the latest regarding AEW TV. You can listen to JR’s entire chat with Carlin, Maggie & Bart here.