wrestling / News
Anthem Media Buyout Talks for AXS TV Rumored to Still be Active, How This Would Affect NJPW and WOW Programming, Update on Where Impact Wrestling Will End Up
UPDATE: PWInsider has an update on today’s story, stating that talks for Anthem Media trying to acquire AXS TV go back “at least” three months,” and Anthem Media was hoping to complete the deal by early July. The hope was that Impact Wrestling could announce the move to AXS TV the Monday after Slammiversary, but the deal was not done by that point.
While the earlier rumors indicated the AXS TV deal had fallen through for Impact, and that AXS officials were not interested in a buyout from Anthem Media, PWInsider states that several sources are claiming that buyout talks for AXS are still active “as of this week.”
Additionally, PWInsider reports that a potential Anthem Media buyout for AXS TV would not immediately affect or change NJPW or WOW broadcasting on the network. The plan would be to keep the network and its current programming in place. However, content owned by Anthem Media, such as Impact, would be moved to the network.
As it currently stands, AXS TV is one of several US-based networks Anthem Media is looking to acquire to expand the company’s footprint in the US. PWInsider notes that if the AXS TV deal does not work out, if Anthem does end up acquiring another network, that will likely be the new broadcast home for Impact Wrestling.
ORIGINAL: It was reported earlier this month that Impact Wrestling had been in talks with AXS TV to move their program to the network after their deal with Pursuit expires later this year. Now, Fight Oracle on Twitter has revealed that the talks have apparently fallen through.
AXS initially turned down Impact, but then Impact owners Anthem Media reportedly expressed interest in buying AXS TV at one point. AXS, meanwhile, is not interested in a buyout. It also notes that things are reportedly ‘unstable’ at Anthem and employees are ‘on edge’.
Some news regarding the rumored @AXSTV + @IMPACTWRESTLING deal. AXS declined Impact’s interest. Impact/Anthem then floated buying AXS from AEG, Mark Cuban, R Seacrest Media, CBS +CAA. I don’t know how they could afford it. Would need huge private equity $. Seems like a Hail Mary
— Fight Oracle (@fightoracle) July 24, 2019
AXS is not interested in exploring a buyout with Anthem. Things appear very unstable at Anthem Media. Employees on edge.
— Fight Oracle (@fightoracle) July 24, 2019
Forgot to mention … AXS declining interest from Impact/Anthem is the reason for the Twitch press release. An attempt to save face. The timing is no coincidence.
— Fight Oracle (@fightoracle) July 24, 2019
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