Tony Khan, founder and co-owner of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), has confirmed that the show “Rampage” has been canceled “for the foreseeable future.” This decision was announced during the tapings of AEW’s Dynamite show, with the last episode of Rampage set to air on December 27. Speculation about the cancelation of Rampage had been circulating since October and the decision was made due to the show not being included in AEW’s new TV deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, which begins in January 2025 and runs through December 2027.
Under the new agreement, AEW’s flagship shows, Dynamite and Collision, will continue airing on TBS and TNT, respectively, and will also be simulcast on Max. AEW pay-per-views will be available for purchase on Max starting later in 2025. The deal is valued at approximately $185 million annually. Rampage originally debuted in August 2021 and was AEW’s second weekly show after Dynamite. However, with the launch of Collision in June 2023 and the cancellation of AEW’s YouTube shows Dark and Elevation, Rampage had shifted focus to featuring younger and mid-to-lower card talent.
The cancelation of Rampage can be seen as a casualty of AEW’s competition with WWE, especially as WWE had recently signed a new streaming deal with Netflix. Both AEW and WWE are vying for the streaming platform market for professional wrestling, with both companies making strategic moves to secure their positions. Tony Khan seems to be accepting of the cancelation of Rampage in the face of this competition. For more information on AEW and professional wrestling, Newsweek Sports can provide further coverage.
Tony Khan’s announcement of the cancelation of Rampage has sparked discussions among fans and observers of AEW. The decision to end the show comes as AEW is making strategic moves in response to the changing landscape of professional wrestling and the competition with WWE. With the new TV deal with Warner Bros. Discovery in place, AEW is focusing on its flagship shows and pay-per-view events, leading to the decision to discontinue Rampage for the time being. Despite the cancelation, AEW continues to evolve and adapt in the highly competitive world of professional wrestling.
The cancelation of Rampage reflects the shifting priorities and strategies of AEW in response to the evolving dynamics of the industry. While Rampage had served as AEW’s second weekly show, its role had changed over time, leading to the decision to end its run. As AEW continues to grow and compete with other wrestling promotions, such as WWE, strategic decisions like this one are necessary to ensure the company’s continued success and relevance in the market. Fans and followers of AEW can expect further developments and changes as the company navigates the competitive landscape of professional wrestling.
Tony Khan’s confirmation of the cancelation of Rampage marks a significant moment in AEW’s journey as a wrestling promotion. With the company’s focus shifting towards its flagship shows and pay-per-view events, the decision to discontinue Rampage underscores AEW’s commitment to adapting to the demands of the industry. As AEW continues to innovate and evolve, fans can expect new developments and initiatives that will shape the future of the company. Despite the end of Rampage, AEW remains a key player in the world of professional wrestling, with a dedicated fan base and a commitment to delivering high-quality content to audiences worldwide.