CM Punk’s Key Role in Opening Door For WWE and Warner Bros. Discovery Talks

WWE continues to be the global juggernaut in the world of professional wrestling, which is why it is no surprise the company is more than just about wrestling now. After all, WWE is a multi-faceted promotion which continues to grab its hold in multiple mediums. CM Punk returned to WWE last month and he has already been a huge benefit for the company. In fact, Punk had a key role in opening the door for WWE and Warner Bros. Discovery to engage in talks.

WWE previously announced that USA Network will get SmackDown, starting in 2024. That was a big change for the blue brand, and it will also likely call for RAW to move off its longtime home of the USA Network and find another home.

NXT will begin on The CW as well, so that leaves just Monday Night RAW to find a new home. As previously reported, CM Punk could bring a ton of money for WWE in their upcoming deal for Monday Night RAW.

While speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer noted that about a month ago, WWE had been exploring the option of broadcasting Monday Night Raw on various networks, including Amazon Prime, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Disney’s FX. He also mentioned the potential for RAW to remain with the USA Network.

Meltzer further added that CM Punk has ensured WWE’s talks with Warner Bros. Discovery did not die. In fact, he added that Punk was the one who opened the door for the talks.

”They would like to get close to $400 million. I don’t think they’re gonna get $400 million but they’re shopping it around and WBD obviously being one of them. WBD seemed to be dead and it’s not dead. With Punk there and everything like that, it’s not dead. It’s not like people should go oh my God this and that with AEW. There’s no way of knowing anything more other than they did have a meeting and it’s not dead. That’s all.

WWE as far as the Raw deal is the belief is that they’re finalizing pretty soon. [Paul] Levesque was at Raw [on] Monday. [He] missed the one Raw if you remember because of whatever they were doing. They’re trying to close that deal. That’s pretty much it. Punk opened up what may have been a shut door. How open that door is or what is gonna transpire, I don’t know.

Punk, he’s a significant player and that’s one of the reasons he’s gonna be at the house show in Los Angeles this week because I’m sure that the people who they are courting — everyone’s headquarters is in L.A. I’m sure that they’re gonna invite everyone that they’re courting there and figuring that they’re gonna see, with Punk and Dom, they picked the right opponent for just a great reaction to go look, this is what you’re getting, this is the show we’re selling.

The belief is it’s coming down relatively soon [but] it’s one of those things there’s no rush either. It could come down in 6 months. They’re in negotiations and AEW is in negotiations. These negotiations are going to be gigantic to the future of wrestling in many ways, depending on who gets what, depending on the days of the week, depending on the counters.”

CM Punk’s merchandise is selling like hotcakes as well, so the world is truly in the palm of his hands now. Only time will tell whether WWE and Warner Bros. Discovery will end up agreeing to a deal for Monday Night RAW in the future.

What is your opinion on CM Punk’s major role in facilitating talks between WWE and Warner Bros. Discovery? Do you think the two parties will reach an agreement? Let us know in the comments section below!