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We've had a number of emails from readers regarding the statement REELZ sent PWInsider.com yesterday on MLW's status with the cable network - "No decisions have been made by MLW or REELZ and we are both committed to a good outcome for MLW, its fans and REELZ."
Concern about the MLW Underground series' status on REELZ arose after Variety reported the series would "wrap up" in about ten weeks in their reporting about Peacock picking up a REELZ streaming channel, but MLW not being included due to WWE's exclusivity on Peacock, which is owned by Comcast's NBC Universal.
In speaking with sources in the wake of Variety's reporting, we are told that the deal made between REELZ and MLW was not a "10 week deal" nor was it designed to end next month. We are told that the deal that was signed between the two sides was more of an open-ended deal that would see MLW episodes delivered weekly, not something that had a finite ending date in 2023.
All that said, REELZ's statement did little to assuage the idea that MLW couldn't be canceled or bumped, however. Is it possible REELZ coud opt out of the deal or that they could move MLW to another timeslot/day when the Peacock stream isn't active? Certainly, those certainly could be possibilities, especially if they are willing to absorb some sort of penalty, but we are told that the idea the series was planned for just a limited run is 100% incorrect.
REELZ had shown great interest in MLW immediately, plugging it all over their network with commercials and having their own social media team live-tweeting the debut episodes. They aren't going to invest that much in a short-term entity, nor do I think MLW would have pushed the debut as hard as they did if they didn't feel they were standing on a strong foundation with the network. But, this also came about before the Peacock deal, and it could be that deal is financially worth REELZ shoving MLW to the side in order to get greater eyeballs on all of REELZ's programming.
One would think the two sides are working out a plan currently, but where this goes remains to be seen.
Certainly, the REELZ statement did not make anyone believe the network was standing tall with MLW by their side.
While we have not been able to ascertain the live and replay numbers, we are told this past Tuesday's MLW Underground episode garnered a total of 68,000 viewers, down from the week before.
Internally, REELZ still has the following MLW episodes listed for their Tuesday 10 PM Eastern schedule:
3/7 - "Jacob Fatu collides with Lio Rush; Thomas and Mark Billington try to secure a match for Davey Boy Smith Jr. against Alex Kane; Hammerstone defends against the Samoan SWAT Team's Lance Anoa'i."
3/14 - "The road to the World Heavyweight title fight reaches its final stop as Hammerstone and Jacob Fatu make it official with a contract signing; featuring Mance Warner vs. Rickey Shane Page, and the Samoan SWAT Team vs. Hustle and Power."
3/21 - "A new era of wrestling for a new generation of fans, featuring a mix of world class fighters."
3/28 - "The smallest wrestler ever collides with the biggest mouth of the squared circle." (Obviously Microman vs. Real 1)
4/4 - "Cesar Duran is missing: John Hennigan and Taya Valkyrie look for answers."
4/11 - "Real1 vs. Microman vs. Mance Warner vs. a wild card in a Dumpster Match."
4/18 - "The War Chamber."
4/25 - "Battle Riot V."
Classic episodes on Tuesdays at 11 PM are also still scheduled as of this writing.
MLW's Court Bauer has not returned calls for comment.
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