Report: Triple H Talked To FOX About Bringing WWE Content To Their Networks
Triple H has reportedly met with the heads of Fox Sports about a possible move to their networks.
According to a report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Triple H had a meeting months ago with officials because of the possibility that UFC would be leaving Fox when their contract expires. It was a preliminary meeting, but there were also discussions about FOX outright buying WWE, which would end future discussions about TV rights fees.
If WWE were to move to FOX, Raw would likely return to a two hour format since most FOX stations have a newscast at 10 p.m.. Smackdown would move to FS1, and WWE would bolster FS1 and FS2 with more content. With the moves, Raw would get a likely boost in viewership, while the Smackdown audience may take a hit as a result.
This is all speculation at the moment, as UFC and FOX are still negotiating on a deal, and may not come into fruition if UFC and FOX were to come to an agreement.
Meltzer mentioned that McMahon is not interested in selling his majority interest in the company just yet. If shares were to hit $40, however, Vince would still be able to sell small amounts of the company while maintaining full voting control.
FOX and WWE have partnered in the past, airing Saturday Night's Main Event and other specials in the early to mid 90s.