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What’s the Story?
FOX Sports 1 radio personality Colin Cowherd talked about being ringside for SmackDown Live on his talk show Speak for Yourself.
In Case You Didn’t Know
Several FOX Sports executives were spotted at SmackDown Live which led many to believe that they were there to further talks between FOX Sports and WWE as their television contract nears its end with USA Network’s parent company, NBS Universal.
The Heart of the Matter
Cowherd has voiced criticism of professional wrestling in the past, but was positive discussing watching SmackDown Live last week.
"If you haven't gone to WWE, it's loud, there's bikinis, there's fireworks, there's on-stage performance. There's a lot of interaction with the crowd. It was fun, I had a blast!"
One of the biggest comments Cowherd made was when his co-host brought up his experience as a professional wrestling fan and that he looked forward to watching more wrestling in the future, Cowherd responded by suggesting that it would be making its way to a big network, possibly FOX Sports 1.
“You should. Very good sport! Coming to a network near you!"
The WWE is contracted to stay on USA Network until 2019, but FOX Sports's interest in bringing professional wrestling to their channel could make sway the company if their offer is strong enough.
One of the biggest rumors that fans were happy to hear was that Monday Night Raw would be reverted back to a two-hour format if they left USA Network for FOX Sports 1.
What’s Next?
The interest in WWE from FOX Sports is becoming increasingly blatant and it might be the foreshadowing for a future partnership.
Author’s Take
WWE often dominates cable ratings and acquiring the professional wrestling company could be a major boost for FOX Sports in addition to possibly meaning more money for the WWE.
