Professional wrestling fans will have a bit more All Elite Wrestling (AEW) to look forward to in March, as Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is bringing back the “Slam Dunk Specials.” The programming shift comes as WBD prepares to air coverage of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, a significant annual event for the sports network. These special broadcasts offer a unique viewing experience for wrestling enthusiasts, extending AEW content beyond its regularly scheduled programming.
The AEW Slam Dunk Specials will air on TNT and be available for streaming on HBO Max. The schedule includes a “Slam Dunk Saturday” episode on March 21st at 11:00 pm ET/8:00 pm PT, followed by a “Slam Dunk Sunday Collision” broadcast on March 22nd, also beginning at 11:00 pm ET/8:00 pm PT. Last year’s editions of the specials following the NCAA Tournament were each one hour in length, and this year’s are expected to follow suit.
NCAA Tournament Drives Programming Changes
The return of the Slam Dunk Specials is directly tied to WBD’s contractual obligations to broadcast the NCAA Tournament. Wrestleview reports that these adjustments are a standard practice during the tournament, allowing WBD to fulfill its broadcasting commitments while still providing AEW content to its audience. TNT Sports, a division of Warner Bros. Discovery, holds the rights to broadcast a significant portion of the NCAA Tournament, alongside CBS Sports. According to Wikipedia, TNT Sports’ history dates back to 1973, evolving from TBS Sports and Turner Sports before becoming TNT Sports in 2024.
Beyond the Specials: Additional AEW Content on the Horizon
The March programming lineup for AEW extends beyond the Slam Dunk Specials. The countdown to Revolution, a major pay-per-view event, will air on TNT and HBO Max on March 14th, immediately following the Collision broadcast. The Revolution Zero Hour pre-show will also be available on HBO Max on March 15th. Looking further ahead, the All Out 2025 pay-per-view event is slated to be added to the AEW library on HBO Max on March 20th. Fans can also look forward to classic content, as episodes of Dynamite and Rampage from 2023 will become available on HBO Max on March 27th.
A Growing Library on HBO Max
The addition of All Out 2025 and the older Dynamite and Rampage episodes highlight WBD’s commitment to expanding the AEW library on its streaming platform, HBO Max. This provides fans with increased access to past events and weekly shows, enhancing the overall viewing experience. The move also underscores the growing relationship between WBD and AEW, with AEW holding a 10% stake in TNT Sports, as noted by Wikipedia.
Potential for a Sports Media Shift
The broader media landscape is also seeing potential shifts. Recent reports suggest a possible merger between Paramount and WBD, which could create a sports broadcasting powerhouse. Front Office Sports details how such a merger could significantly alter the competitive dynamics of the sports media industry. While the impact of a potential merger on AEW’s programming remains to be seen, it’s a development worth watching.
For AEW fans, March promises a robust schedule of live events, special broadcasts, and expanded content availability on HBO Max. The Slam Dunk Specials offer a unique opportunity to enjoy AEW programming alongside the excitement of the NCAA Tournament. The next confirmed date for AEW programming is March 14th with the Countdown to Revolution broadcast on TNT and HBO Max.
What are your thoughts on the return of the AEW Slam Dunk Specials? Share your excitement and predictions in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow wrestling fans!
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