Backstage Update On AEW's First Big TNT Special

More details on AEW's first TNT supercard, tentatively scheduled for 8 January.

by Andy H Murray
AEW TNT
AEW

Mat Men's Andrew Zarian confirmed earlier this week that AEW planned on holding its first big TNT special on Saturday, 8 January, adding that the promotion may title these shows 'Battle of the Belts.'

While AEW is yet to make anything official, Dave Meltzer reported on the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio that the special will be around one hour long. They were originally going to be longer, as AEW intended on bringing pay-per-view calibre cards to television, though it appears something has changed in that regard.

WCW's old Clash of the Champions format is believed to be AEW's inspiration here, though WWE owns that trademark. AEW filed a trademark application for 'Battle of the Belts' back in January.

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If 8 January is, indeed, AEW's intended date, the inaugural TNT special will follow the first episode of Dynamite of 2022 on 5 January and Rampage on 7 January.

The Saturday night TNT specials are part of the new agreement AEW signed with WarnerMedia back in May. The updated contract will see the company's flagship show, Dynamite, move from TNT to TBS in January, with AEW scoring a reported eight-figure payday in the process.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.