Undertaker Signs New WWE Deal, Update On AEW’s TV Negotiations

– Undertaker and WWE seemed to be having some problems over the past year. In particular, Undertaker booked himself for several events that have no affiliation with WWE. It seems to be water under the bridge as Undertaker signed a new WWE deal. During the Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer addressed some clauses placed by WWE.

“He’s gonna fulfill his commitments, but I don’t think he’s gonna do new ones because that’s the new deal he signed with WWE,” said Meltzer. “WWE doesn’t want him doing it [outside commitments] anymore.”

While Undertaker might still be able to get away with some autograph signings with WWE’s approval, the promotion doesn’t not want “The Deadman” taking part in Q&A appearances as they want to keep the character’s mystique intact. Those appearances were costing promoters around six figures per hour.

While there are not a ton of details on Undertaker’s new WWE deal, it is said to be a great contract. Undertaker did not compete at WrestleMania this year, which is extremely rare, as he looking to work a smarter schedule. He appeared the night after WrestleMania 35, interrupting Elias; which is rumored to build towards a match for WWE’s next visit to Saudi Arabia.

– As reported, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is in talks with WarnerMedia/Turner Sports to air on either TNT or TBS. There is another network also having close talks with AEW and Prowrestling.net reported that it is Showtime. For steaming services, TNT’s Bleacher Report Live has been discussed. As of now, nothing has been signed.

The running idea is for AEW to start airing live shows every week starting in October. Tuesday seems to be the most likely day for the show to air, with Thursday also being mentioned. AEW wants to avoid airing the same day as WWE, which sees SmackDown return to Fridays starting in the fall on its new home, Fox Sports 1.

We could learn the final decision in a month as AEW has some press conferences scheduled and their Double Or Nothing event from Las Vegas.

Joe Lisnow

The lineage of pro wrestling dates back centuries, tying the world together through the art of storytelling. After nearly 30 years of watching, now Joe has the chance to report the news about men and women competing inside a 20-foot by 20-foot ring.