Rupert Murdoch Highly Influential In WWE SmackDown Live Moving To FOX

Rupert Murdoch Highly Influential In WWE SmackDown Live Moving To FOX
Rupert Murdoch, the Executive Co-Chairman of 21st-Century Fox is believed to be influential in the recent broadcasting deal which saw FOX poach WWE SmackDown Live from NBCUniversal's USA Network for a whopping $1 billion over a five year period.

The deal was reportedly negotiated between Stephanie McMahon, Triple H, and FOX executives although the deal has yet to be officially signed but agreed on a handshake.

The Hollywood Reporter notes that Murdoch told WWE that NBC are embarrassed to have the sports entertainment brand on their network, even though it brings in a strong and consistent viewership.

Murdoch is also believed to have told Vince McMahon in a phone call that this will usher in a new era between himself and the McMahon as they both see themselves as rebels who built big media brands.

In addition, FOX plans to air promos airing across sports programming every night of the week, along with a new weekly studio show on FS1.

It is believed shortly FOX will sell the majority of their assets to Disney or Comcast with sports becoming the centerpiece for the networks' programming on "New Fox".