TheWrap recently had a recap of an interview with FOX Chief Charlie Collier during the Television Critics Association press tour in which the CEO was asked by a reporter about the network acquiring WWE SmackDown come this early October. With ratings overall being on the decline rather than the upswing and with FOX putting down billions of dollars to acquire the product, TheWrap asked if there are protections in place in case SmackDown doesn’t lay the smackdown on TV numbers. Collier didn’t directly answer, but instead chose to make comparisons to FOX’s acquirement of the NFL in the early 1990s.
“I’m a guy that came out of cable, and for the last few decades in cable, what’s driven the No. 1 network has been wrestling,” Collier responded at the Television Critics Association press tour. “And so for us to have a consistent presence is thrilling.”
“In terms of protections– this is a company that historically really leaned into NFL at a time where I think no one thought Fox could do so, and they’ve turned out to become the leading purveyor of the NFL,” Collier continued. “And we’re leaning into WWE with just as much enthusiasm.”
The reporter followed up with if the network has a full commitment to five years with the company and Collier responded with a “yeah” and said to follow up with FOX Sports CEO Eric Shanks for the contractual details.
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