Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter
There has been a lot of talk in the last week about suitors for WWE’s TV rights package. The only major name that has come up besides those already talked about is WGN. WGN may be interested based on the belief that adding WWE would help them expand their potential audience and allow them to charge cable systems more for carriage. WGN was the lone legitimate bidder in 2008 besides the USA Network.
Regarding the rumors of AMC Networks being interested in purchasing the company, most investors don’t believe Vince McMahon will sell controlling interest. However, there is concern over what happens if something happens to Vince. There’s a feeling that Stephanie McMahon has taken a step back and that Triple H is not someone who could be CEO of a public company. That leaves Michelle Wilson and George Barrios.
The concern over Barrios is his knowledge of the modern media landscape and of the pro wrestling business, and Wilson’s knowledge of the wrestling aspect is also a question. Both Wilson and Barrios are the ones who are going to be responsible to a degree if the WWE Network fails or they don’t at least double domestic TV fees.
