WWE Network

WWE Network is an over-the-top streaming service and digital television network owned by American integrated media company WWE. In Japan it operates as a television network,[1] and in the rest of the world as a streaming service using the infrastructure of Endeavor Streaming Services.[2]

WWE Network
LaunchedFebruary 24, 2014 (2014-02-24)
United States
August 12, 2014 (2014-08-12)
Asia
January 13, 2015 (2015-01-13)
United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, and Italy
March 24, 2015 (2015-03-24)
India and Middle East
November 2, 2015 (2015-11-02)
North Africa and West Africa
January 5, 2016 (2016-01-05)
Japan, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland
Owned byWWE
Picture formatHDTV (1080p/720p 16:9)
LanguageEnglish
Broadcast areaWorldwide (with exceptions)
HeadquartersStamford, Connecticut, United States
Websitewww.wwenetwork.com
Availability
Satellite
Astro (Malaysia)Channel 821 (HD)
Channel 841 (SD)

On January 8, 2014, WWE announced the network would launch on February 24 in the United States. The company stated on July 31 that the service was expected to go live in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Mexico, Spain, Turkey, the Nordics, the Middle East and North Africa, worldwide among other countries starting on August 17.[3] It was unexpectedly made available in the UK and Ireland a week earlier than planned, on January 13, 2015, after a delay from the previous November.[4][5] The WWE Network consists of both a 24-hour linear streaming channel and on-demand programming from WWE's library.

History

Development and U.S. launch

The origins of the WWE Network can trace back to 2000 when USA Network filed the lawsuit against the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now known as the WWE) due to breach of contract which saw most of its programming moved to Viacom-owned TNN and MTV. The Delaware Chancery Court ruled in favor of the WWF in June 2000.[6][7] Then CEO Linda McMahon revealed that WWF wanted its own cable network and testified that before WWF signed a rights deal with Viacom, the company had floated the idea of acquiring USA's Sci-Fi Channel, and reformatting it as a dedicated wrestling network. USA executives rejected the idea, and McMahon said that former USA Networks President Barry Baker encouraged her to talk to other programmers about potential deals. "I can tell you right now, Linda, you're not going to get anybody to give you a network," McMahon testified.[6] In 2005, USA Network re-acquired the rights to all WWE programming.

In September 2011, WWE officially announced plans to launch the WWE Network in 2011 as a pay-TV channel.[8] WWE then conducted a survey asking people if they would pay for the WWE Network if it were a premium channel. In an email sent to WWE fans who might be interested in the WWE Network, WWE surveyed fans for their thoughts about the WWE Network airing WWE's pay-per-views to subscribers for no additional charge. The survey also noted that feature repeats of Raw and SmackDown, as well as footage from World Championship Wrestling (WCW), Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), XFL, Smoky Mountain Wrestling (SMW), American Wrestling Association (AWA), and WWE movies would also make the lineup. Original programming was also noted in the survey.[9][10]

As the result of an online poll, WrestleMania Rewind was chosen as a name for a new WWE Network show on October 17, 2011.[11] The original launch date was set for April 1, 2012, which would have coincided with WrestleMania XXVIII, and WWE's official website featured a countdown clock that would have expired on April 1. The clock was quietly removed, and the network did not launch as advertised.[12] WWE chief marketing officer Michelle Wilson allayed fears about the future of the WWE Network, saying "There will be a WWE network in some shape or form. We are in late-stage negotiations with distributors", and confirmed that WWE Legends' House had been filmed.[13] In April 2013, WWE had switched plans and aimed to release the WWE Network as a premium pay-TV outlet, with a potential price of $15 a month.[14]

On Old School Raw in January 2014, WWE ran teasers promoting an announcement on January 8 at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas,[15] later confirming that the announcement concerned the WWE Network.[16] At the Consumer Electronics Show, WWE revealed a comprehensive plan which would see a launch date of February 24, 2014 in the United States.[17][18][19] WWE Classics on Demand closed on January 31, 2014 to make way for the WWE Network.[20] A free trial period was offered during the week of the launch.[21] The logo initially used for the WWE Network eventually became the standard logo used by the WWE corporation in August 2014.[22]

In April 2014, ahead of WrestleMania XXX, the Network received acclaim, with The New York Times saying that WWE had "positioned themselves on the cutting edge of Internet television."[23] Later that month, the company announced that the network had 667,000 subscribers, short of the one million subscribers they needed to break even.[24] As WWE's stock fell 50% the following month, Forbes described low subscription numbers as being of "additional concern" for investors after WWE's underwhelming NBCUniversal renewal deal.[25] WWE offered a second free preview week of the WWE Network, which started July 7, in an attempt to sign new subscribers.[26] A second report released at the end of July indicated that the network had reached 700,000 subscribers.[27] WWE's goal was to reach one million subscribers by the end of 2014.[27][28]

Expansion

On July 31, 2014, the company announced a 10-year, Canadian distribution deal for WWE content with Rogers Media which will see the company distribute WWE Network as a premium television service.[29] Also on that date, it was announced that the WWE Network would launch in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Mexico, Spain, and the Nordics, among others on August 12, with Italian, Arab, German, Japanese, Indian, Chinese, Thai, and Malaysian launches planned for a later date.[30][31] On October 30, 2014, in an attempt to increase subscription numbers from an announced figure of 731,000, the 6-month subscription requirement was dropped, allowing subscribers the option to cancel at any time.[32][33] WWE had originally planned to launch the network on October 1 in the United Kingdom, but was delayed for a further month.[34] The launch was confirmed to be taking place at 8 p.m. on November 3;[35] however, 20 minutes prior to the launch, WWE announced that it had been indefinitely delayed.[36][37] Vince McMahon publicly apologized for the delay.[38] It was announced on January 4, 2015, that the WWE Network would be launching in the UK and Ireland on January 19, 2015, priced at £9.99 and €12.99 respectively,[39] although some customers managed to register as early as January 13.[40]

On January 27, 2015, WWE announced that the WWE Network had reached 1 million subscribers,[41] with Vince McMahon saying that WWE would "remain focused on delivering an outstanding value proposition for ours fans by adding new content and new features in the coming year."[42] On February 12, 2015, WWE announced a five-year partnership with television provider OSN to bring the WWE Network to the Middle East and North Africa as a premium service.[43]

On July 30, 2015, WWE revealed the amount of subscribers for the Network at 1.156 million. This was announced as a part of WWE's financial reporting on the second quarter of the year, which had resulted in their stock price rising past $20.00 after closing on the previous day at $16.48. The total of 1.156 million paid subscribers marked a 13% decrease from the 1.315 million paid subscribers that was stated in the reports for the first quarter of 2015. WWE also revealed, including trial subscribers, they had 1.227 million Network users at the end of the second quarter, and over the entire lifespan of the Network, there have been over 2 million unique subscribers.[44]

The WWE Network launched in India on November 2, 2015.[45][46] On November 19, a report by market research and consulting firm Park Associates announced that the WWE Network had broken into the top five streaming services and trailed only MLB.tv in the sports category.[47] The WWE announced the network would launch in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Japan on January 5, 2016,[48] followed by Thailand and the Philippines on February 29, 2016.[49]

In April 2017, WWE announced a total of 1.949 million subscribers to the WWE Network, of which 1.661 million were paid subscribers.[50] At the end of the third quarter of 2017, the number had dropped to 1.5 million paid users.[51] In April 2018, WWE announced subscriber growth had reached 2.1 million, with 1.8 million paid.[52] At the end of the third quarter of 2018 the number had dropped to 1.6 million paid users.[51]

Switch to Endeavor, redesign

In January 2019, WWE Network signed with Endeavor Streaming to replace BAMTech as its operating partner.[53] WWE's decision was motivated by the acquisition of BAMTech by Disney. Co-president George Barrios cited concerns over how BAMTech's relationships with third-party partners would be impacted by the sale, while WWE also sought greater control over the service and its operations, intending to partner with another vendor or take the service entirely in-house. The company decided to partner with Endeavor Streaming (formed primarily from the assets of NeuLion) to provide infrastructure and billing services, and Massive Interactive to develop a new front-end and mobile apps.[54]

The new WWE Network platform launched in July 2019, ahead of SummerSlam. It includes a revamped user experience, support for 1080p streams, new browsing tools (such as a new "Superstars" interface for filtering content by performers), and plans to add a download feature for offline viewing in the future. Support for certain legacy devices, such as PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and certain older smart TVs, was discontinued with the changeover.[54] In an interview with The Verge, Barrios revealed that there were ongoing plans for WWE.com's existing video content to be integrated into the WWE Network platform as a "free" tier (possibly also including previews of WWE Network's premium content), and that WWE was also considering the development of a premium tier with additional features (such as benefits for other WWE operations).[54]

Availability

Availability of the WWE Network globally
  Available
  Unavailable
  No information

The WWE Network is currently available through 186 out of 193 United Nations member states (including all 27 European Union nations) and two observer states such as the Holy See and the State of Palestine. It is also distributed through six non-UN countries: the Republic of China (Taiwan), the Cook Islands, Kosovo, Niue, Northern Cyprus and SADR-claimed Western Sahara.

In late 2017, Liechtenstein and PRC-controlled Mainland China were added to the list of non-available countries,[55] however the WWE Network is still available in the Chinese special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau as well as ROC-controlled Taiwan and Fujian. In 2020 Malta was removed from countries available, no reason was provided.

On March 23, 2020, WWE announced[56] a free access to WWE Network for a limited time that includes every past WrestleMania and other major pay-per-views such as SummerSlam, Royal Rumble and Survivor Series.

On June 1, 2020, WWE announced[57] a free version of the WWE Network containing a limited library of content which includes new shows like Raw Talk and original series including Monday Night War, Ride Along, Table for 3, Photo Shoot and Story Time. The free version also includes access to recent episodes of WWE's programs, Monday Night Raw, Friday Night SmackDown and NXT, with the addition of historical WWE pay-per-views and NXT TakeOver events.

Programming

Original programming

WWE events

Current shows

  • The Edge and Christian Show – A comedy series and variety show starring Edge and Christian.
  • Camp WWE – A short-form adult animation comedy series produced by Seth Green.
  • WWE Story Time – An animated series featuring WWE wrestlers telling stories from the past, narrated by "Mean" Gene Okerlund.
  • First Look – A first look at upcoming WWE Home Video releases.
  • This Week in WWE – A weekly 30-minute recap of the past week's WWE programs, hosted by Scott Stanford and Alyse Zwick(using the stage name "Alyse Ashton").
  • WWE Ride Along – A show following WWE personalities as they drive from city to city.
  • WWE Breaking News – Breaking news from WWE.
  • Southpaw Regional Wrestling – A miniseries based on a southern wrestling promotion set in the year 1987. Also airs on YouTube.
  • Table for 3 – Three WWE personalities share stories over dinner.
  • WWE Original Specials – A series of specials on the WWE Network.
  • WWE Beyond the Ring – Documentary portions of previously-released WWE DVDs featuring various performers, organizations, and storylines.
  • WWE 24 – A documentary show that goes behind the scenes of WWE events and personnel.
  • WWE 365 – A documentary series that reviews a year in the career of a WWE talent.
  • WWE Music Power 10 – A top 10 WWE Music countdown show.
  • WWE Photo Shoot – A show where current and former WWE personnel sit down to explain the stories behind photos of their careers and lives. Also airs on YouTube.
  • WWE The Day Of – A documentary series that catch a glimpse of WWE Superstars' lives as they prepare mentally and physically for their biggest matches. Also airs on YouTube.
  • WWE Chronicle – A documentary series that chronicles a WWE personality and their journey through personal interviews and candid moments. Also airs on YouTube.
  • WWE Collections Spotlight – A preview show that offers a sampling of exclusive WWE Collections that are available on the WWE Network.[65]
  • WWE Marquee Matches – Prominent matches in WWE history are showcased.[66]
  • Superstar Picks – WWE wrestlers present their favorite matches in their entirety.[67]
  • WWE Untold – Wrestlers reveal stories about moments in WWE history.
  • WWE Watch AlongPat McAfee interviews guests while watching various pay-per-views.
  • Steve Austin's Broken Skull SessionsStone Cold Steve Austin interviews WWE Superstars and legends.
  • WWE Break It Down – The stories behind some of the biggest matches and moments in WWE history are discussed by the Superstars and legends who lived them.
  • WWE Ruthless Aggression - The WWE Ruthless Aggression docuseries picks up where WWE Network's Monday Night War series left off, detailing the years that followed the Attitude Era, after WWE absorbed its top rival, WCW.[68]
  • Undertaker: The Last Ride - The unprecedented limited-series event chronicling over three years in the career of The Phenom

Former shows

  • Holy Foley! – A reality TV show starring Mick Foley and his family.[69]
  • Jerry Springer Too Hot for TVJerry Springer hosts this look back at some of WWE's most outrageous and embarrassing moments.
  • Unfiltered with Renee Young – Interview show hosted by Renee Young. Topics discussed include WWE wrestlers' wrestling careers and stories, music, and movies.
  • WWE Legends' House – A reality television series featuring several retired personnel.
  • The Monday Night War: WWE vs. WCW – A television series about the Monday Night Wars.[58]
  • WWE Slam City – An animated series featuring current WWE talent, based on the Mattel toy line of the same name.
  • The WWE List – A fast-paced, interactive series that tallies tweets from the WWE Universe to compile the most unusual lists ever in WWE history.
  • WWE WrestleMania Rewind – The first show named to be part of the network; a retrospective look at WrestleMania's memorable moments.[11][58]
  • WWE Countdown – A top-10 countdown show based on interactive fan polls.[58]
  • WWE Rivalries – A show documenting rivalries in wrestling.
  • Tough Talk – A post-show to Tough Enough hosted by Byron Saxton.
  • Legends with JBL – An interview show hosted by John "Bradshaw" Layfield featuring WWE Legends and Hall of Famers.[70]
  • WWE Culture ShockCorey Graves reveals a variety of unique venues, customs, music, food, and people as WWE's tour travels around the world.
  • WWE Breaking Ground – A special look at the WWE Performance Center and what it takes to become a WWE wrestler.
  • Stone Cold Podcast – Interview series hosted by Stone Cold Steve Austin.
  • Live! With Chris Jericho – Interview series hosted by Chris Jericho.
  • Swerved – A hidden camera prank show featuring WWE performers.
  • Cruiserweight Classic – A thirty-two man tournament showcasing the cruiserweight division.
  • WWE Talking Smack – A post-show for SmackDown pay-per-views hosted by Renee Young and several guest hosts. The show was originally a weekly post-show for SmackDown Live and was hosted by Young and Shane McMahon or Daniel Bryan or John "Bradshaw" Layfield.
  • WWE Raw Talk – A post-show for Raw pay-per-views.
  • Bring It to the TablePeter Rosenberg hosts while Corey Graves and John "Bradshaw" Layfield debate controversial topics.
  • WWE Superstar Ink – Corey Graves asks WWE wrestlers about the meaning behind their tattoos. Also airs on YouTube.
  • Straight to the Source – An interview show hosted by Corey Graves.
  • Something Else to Wrestle with Bruce Prichard – Interview show hosted by Bruce Prichard and Conrad Thompson.[64]
  • Elias: Unplugged[64]
  • Then and Now[71]
  • My Son/Daughter is a WWE Superstar[72]
  • WWE Game Night[73]
  • WWE Talking Snack[74]
  • WWE Where Are They Now[75]
  • WWE NXT – A one-hour, in-ring program showcasing the NXT developmental brand, including periodic special live episodes.[58] First-run editions of NXT moved to USA Network in an expanded live format in September 2019.

Collections

WWE Network previously offered "WWE Collections", which are video packages of memorable characters and storylines.[76] In July 2019, WWE updated the network and subsequently removed all collections.

Former Collections

  • AJ Styles: Beyond Phenomenal
  • Alexa Bliss: Five Feet Of Fury
  • Andre the Giant
  • Asuka: The Undefeated Empress
  • Attitude Era: Stone Cold
  • Batista Unleashed
  • Becoming The Rock
  • Becky Lynch: Straight Fire
  • Best of Stone Cold vs. Mr. McMahon Part I
  • Best of Stone Cold vs. Mr. McMahon Part II
  • Best of Stone Cold vs. Mr. McMahon Part III
  • Bobby "The Brain" Heenan
  • Bret vs Shawn: The Rivalry
  • Curt Hawkins: Nothing To Lose
  • Daniel Bryan's Greatest Moments
  • Destruction of the Shield
  • Dusty Rhodes: The American Dream
  • DX: Are You Ready?
  • Eddie Guerrero: Viva La Raza!
  • Edge: You Think You Know Me?
  • Finn Balor: Worldwide Sensation
  • Goldberg: Who's Next?
  • Hall of Fame: Class of 2018
  • Hell in a Cell
  • Jeff Jarrett: Ain't He Great
  • Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart
  • King Booker: All Hail!
  • Kurt Angle: It's True, It's True
  • Lesnar: The Road To The Undisputed Title
  • Ladder Match: Reaching For Glory
  • The Legacy of Shane McMahon
  • Mean Gene Okerlund
  • Mickie James: Crazy Sweetheart
  • Million Dollar Man: Priceless
  • Miz: The A-Lister
  • Money in the Bank
  • New to WWE Network (changes regularly)
  • New Classic Content (changes monthly)
  • The New Day: Feel The Positivity
  • Nikolai Volkoff
  • nWo: For Life
  • Patterson 'N Brisco: The Stooges
  • Piper's Pit: Born to Controversy
  • Randy Savage: Cream of the Crop
  • Raw 25: 100–76
  • Raw 25: 75–51
  • Raw 25: 50–26
  • Raw 25: 25–01
  • Razor Ramon: Oozing Machismo
  • Rey Mysterio: Biggest Little Man
  • Ric Flair: Forever The Man
  • Ric Flair: Stylin' and Profilin
  • Rusev: Happy Rusev Day
  • Sami Zayn: Never Be The Same
  • Sammartino: The Legend Lives
  • Sasha Banks: The Legit Boss
  • Shawn Michaels: Heartbreak Kid
  • Shawn Michaels: Mr. Wrestlemania
  • Shinsuke Nakamura: The Rock Star
  • Stephanie McMahon: All Business
  • Sting: The Icon Defined
  • The Bar: Sheamus and Cesaro
  • The Brothers of Destruction
  • The Collection of Jericho
  • The Four Horsewomen of NXT
  • The Godfather: All Aboard
  • The Hardys: Team Xtreme
  • The Man They Call Vader
  • The NXT Takeover Collection
  • The Rise of John Cena
  • The Royal Rumble Match
  • The Undertaker vs Triple H Collection
  • The WarGames Collection
  • Three Faces of Foley
  • TLC Tag Teams
  • Tribute to the Troops
  • Trish and Lita: Evolutionary
  • Trish Stratus: Stay Stratusfied
  • Undertaker: Dawn Of The Deadman
  • Women's Evolution
  • WWE Match of the Year 2017
  • WWE Match of the Year 2018
  • WrestleMania Monday
  • Wrestlemania Theater
  • Chyna: Ninth Wonder of the World
  • Best of Swerved Season One
  • The Canadian Collection
  • Dolph Ziggler vs. The Miz (removed December 2017)[77]
  • Hall of Fame: Class of 2017
  • WrestleMania Show Stealers
  • Subscriber's Choice (changed quarterly, removed September 2017)[78]
  • George 'The Animal' Steele (removed October 2017)[79]
  • The Incomparable Mr. Fuji (removed October 2017)[79]
  • Jimmy Snuka: The Superfly (removed October 2017)[79]
  • The Cruiserweight Anthology (removed December 2017)
  • Gravest Matches Ever (removed December 2017)
  • Randy Orton: Apex Predator (removed December 2017)
  • ECW Barely Legal Revisited (removed January 2018)
  • Colorful Characters (removed February 2018)
  • Greatest Matches Ever (removed February 2018)[80]
  • Celebrating Black History (removed March 2018)[81]
  • WWE Flashback Friday (changes weekly) (removed May 2018)[82]
  • Best of WWE Network (removed March 2019)[83]
  • WWE Shorts (removed March 2019)[83]
  • WWE Hidden Gems (moved to Vault section)[84]

Repeat/archival programming

In addition to previous editions of the original programs listed above, the network includes many other previously aired events.

Although the United States parental guidelines rating system rates most weekly WWE television programs TV-PG, the WWE Network broadcasts a wider range of content. A parental controls block is available and content rated TV-14 and TV-MA are preceded by an advisory warning. The network airs footage featuring Chris Benoit; it marks the first major airing of Benoit footage or even mention of Benoit in said footage since his murder-suicide in 2007.[85] However, the Benoit tribute episode of Raw is replaced with the episode that aired internationally, a recap of championship matches. Also, Vengeance: Night of Champions in 2007 removes all references to Benoit during the ECW Championship match. Over the Edge 1999, infamous for Owen Hart's death at the event, is also available for the first time since its original air date; however, some portions of the event have been edited out of respect to the Hart family.[86] Matches called with Jesse Ventura on commentary, which had previously been dubbed over due to a 1991 lawsuit, are available with the original commentary.[87]

While the network promoted on-demand airings as being unedited, some instances of expletives, gestures, and all nudity are censored. Many programs were digitized for WWE 24/7 prior to the 2012 settlement with the World Wide Fund for Nature, and thus the "WWF" and the "WWF scratch" logo are censored in some instances.[88][89] Some original music has been dubbed over with alternate tracks such as the original intro music to Saturday Night's Main Event (May 1985 – January 1988 episodes) which originally played "Obsession" by Animotion.[90]

At launch, all but one of New Jack's matches were removed from ECW pay-per-views, as was his surprise return at Heat Wave 1998, due to a combination of musical rights issues over his entrance music and the inability to remove the music without losing the original commentary audio. The deleted matches were eventually reinstated with replacement music and newly recorded Joey Styles commentary.[91] Several pay-per-views are copies of their condensed home video releases, rather than the live versions, and so are missing matches.[92]

Pay-per-views

Almost every WWF/WWE, JCP/WCW, and ECW pay-per-view (PPV) event ever produced is available for on-demand streaming.[87] Although WWE promotes the selection as every pay-per-view ever made, a handful of PPV events have not yet been made available.[93] This includes mostly foreign events such as WCW's Millennium Final, Collision in Korea, and the Japan Supershows, and ECW's foreign ECW/FMW Supershows, however it also includes some events held domestically such as WCW's Nitro Girls Swimsuit Calendar Special and When Worlds Collide, and WWF's No Holds Barred: The Match/The Movie.[lower-alpha 1]

In addition the pay-per-view section contains several events which did not air on pay-per-view, such as WWE events Royal Rumble 1988[94] and WWE Global Warning Tour: Melbourne.[95] Many ECW Supercards are also listed as pay-per-views, despite never actually airing there.[96]

WWF/WWE home video

The WWE released videos under the header "Home video classics" which include various previous home video releases that had been originally released under Coliseum Video.[97]

WWWF/WWF/WWE programming

JCP/WCW programming

ECW programming

Other promotions

Non-wrestling content

Additional content from WWE Libraries, which has a library of over 100,000 hours of programming, will be added over time.[112]

Independent wrestling content

Starting August 15th, WWE Network will add independent wrestling shows[113]. That will be select shows and Best Of compilations from indies around the world.

Removed content

Impact on pay-per-view industry

In an interview with Time, Michelle D. Wilson, chief revenue and marketing officer for WWE, stated their reason for bypassing cable companies and instead only offering the WWE Network online: "Digital over-the-top offerings represent the future, and given that our passionate fans consume five times more online video content than non-WWE viewers and over-index for purchasing online subscriptions such as Netflix and Hulu, we believe the time is now for a WWE Network."[117]

In response to the announcement, DirecTV issued a statement saying that they are re-evaluating whether to continue carrying WWE's pay-per-view events. Due to the fact that these events would also be available on the WWE Network once it launches, it might reduce the number of pay-per-view purchases via cable and satellite providers. Vince McMahon suggested that pay-TV operators would ultimately decide to continue to carry WWE's pay-per-view events, given that providers keep a significant share of each purchase, and incur minimal costs (apart from WWE's share of the fee for each purchase) to carry the events: "It's found money for them."[118] DirecTV later quietly dropped carriage of WWE PPVs. In response, WWE said, "Yes, DIRECTV has decided to stop offering our PPV's residentially and commercially. The only other option would be to work through the local cable provider." [119]

On February 19, 2014, Dish Network announced that they would carry WWE pay-per-views on an event by event basis, beginning with Elimination Chamber. Dish Network later released a statement saying, "Dish will not offer the ‘WWE Elimination Chamber’ PPV on 2/23. WWE is not willing to adjust their PPV costs to satellite and cable companies, which is unfair to their customers. We need to re-focus our efforts to support partners that better serve Dish customers."[120] Dish later made a decision to air WrestleMania XXX.[121] Dish declined to offer WrestleMania 31 and 32 but did offer WrestleMania 33 in 2017.[122]

Advertising

In October 2014, it was reported Mattel, Kmart, and Pepsi would begin advertising on the network starting the week of October 13. Wilson stated that although no commercial breaks will occur during scheduled programming, 30 second adverts would run in between shows, and that one 15 or 30-second advert would be shown prior to every fourth stream of on-demand content.[123][124]

Notes

  1. The steel cage match from No Holds Barred: The Match/The Movie is available on the home video Supertape, which is available on the WWE Network.
    gollark: I vote for @⁡everyone!
    gollark: I DID vote for gibson and my VOTE IS FOR gibson.
    gollark: So you're voting for gibson...?
    gollark: Sometimes I just want to deploy apiohazards into the server...
    gollark: <@!330678593904443393> please vote gibson again.

    References

    1. "WWE Network Help – Watch WWE Worldwide". help.wwe.com.
    2. Spangler, Todd (14 January 2019). "Endeavor Video-Streaming Group Signs WWE, Which Ended Deal With Disney's BAMTech".
    3. "WWE Network".
    4. "Beaking News: WWE Network Launches Early in UK & Ireland". 13 January 2015.
    5. WWE Network Launches February 24 Retrieved January 25, 2014
    6. https://www.fiercevideo.com/cable/revenge-mcmahons-story-behind-wwe-network
    7. "WWF Wins Judicial Smackdown Against USA". E! Online. 29 June 2000.
    8. Goldman, Eric (September 6, 2011). "WWE Network coming in 2012". IGN. Retrieved August 14, 2014.
    9. Caldwell, James (September 22, 2011). "WWE News: WWE TV Network update – could PPVs move to the Network?, potential new shows". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved January 7, 2014.
    10. Caldwell, James (November 1, 2012). "McMahon announces Network model, but no timetable for launch; latest on Network plans & survey findings". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved January 7, 2014.
    11. "'WrestleMania Rewind': The first WWE Network Show". WWE. October 17, 2011. Retrieved December 24, 2011.
    12. Atkinson, Charlie (March 1, 2012). "WWE smackdown: Its cable network can't get off the mat". New York Post. Retrieved March 2, 2012.
    13. Lee, Richard (March 29, 2013). "WWE forging ahead with cable network plan". The News-Times. Retrieved August 14, 2014.
    14. Graser, Marc (April 9, 2013). "WWE Models TV Network Plan After NFL's Approach". Variety. Retrieved August 14, 2014.
    15. Stewart, Josh (January 6, 2014). "Old School Raw hints at new WWE Network". Newsday. Retrieved January 7, 2014.
    16. "WWE Network announcement official". Wrestling Observer. January 7, 2014. Retrieved January 7, 2014.
    17. Flint, Joe (January 8, 2014). "WWE launching over-the-top network". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 8, 2014.
    18. Graser, Marc (January 8, 2014). "CES: WWE Network to Launch in February as Streaming Service". Variety. Retrieved January 8, 2014.
    19. Vincent, James (January 9, 2014). "WWE unveils new digital media model and non-stop wrestling with 24/7 streaming service". The Independent. Retrieved August 14, 2014.
    20. "WWE Network Coming 2.24.14". Retrieved February 5, 2014.
    21. Hooton, Christopher (February 24, 2014). "WWE Network: Price, schedule and everything else you need to know". The Independent. Retrieved July 14, 2014.
    22. "WWE unveils new logo". WWE. August 15, 2014. Archived from the original on August 16, 2014. Retrieved August 15, 2014.
    23. Berkman, Seth (March 30, 2014). "WWE Network Is Loud Introduction to the Video Streaming Ring". New York Times. Retrieved August 14, 2014.
    24. Taube, Aaron (May 19, 2014). "Vince McMahon's Plan To Turn Around The WWE Is Blowing Up In His Face". Business Insider. Retrieved July 13, 2014.
    25. Mcgrath, Maggie (May 16, 2014). "WWE Slammed: Stock Plunges Nearly 50% As NBCUniversal Deal Fails To Impress". Forbes. Retrieved July 13, 2014.
    26. Taube, Aaron (July 7, 2014). "The Money-Losing WWE Network Is Making Another Big Push For Subscribers". Business Insider. Retrieved July 13, 2014.
    27. Graser, Marc (July 31, 2014). "WWE Network Ready for International Rollout to Pin Down New Subscribers". Variety. Retrieved August 14, 2014.
    28. "WWE Network on track to 1 million subscribers". WWE Official Website. April 7, 2014. Archived from the original on April 10, 2014. Retrieved July 13, 2014.
    29. "WWE Signs 10-Year Canadian TV Deal With Rogers". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved July 31, 2014.
    30. Alvarez, Edgar (July 31, 2014). "WWE Network heading to 170 new countries next month". Engadget. Retrieved July 31, 2014.
    31. Baysinger, Tim (August 12, 2014). "WWE Offering OTT Network Internationally". Broadcasting & Cable. Retrieved August 12, 2014.
    32. Graser, Marc (October 30, 2014). "WWE Network Grows to 731,000 Subscribers, Drops Contract Requirement". Variety. Retrieved October 30, 2014.
    33. Flint, Joe (October 30, 2014). "WWE to Drop Six-Month Commitment for Online Video Subscriptions". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved October 30, 2014.
    34. "Launch of WWE Network's online service delayed in UK". BBC. October 1, 2014. Retrieved December 10, 2014.
    35. "WWE Network launches in the UK". Radio Times. November 3, 2014. Retrieved December 10, 2014.
    36. Rigby, Sam (November 3, 2014). "WWE Network UK launch delayed until further notice". Digital Spy. Retrieved November 4, 2014.
    37. Martin, Findlay (November 3, 2014). "WWE Network delayed in the UK again". Power Slam. Retrieved December 10, 2014.
    38. Goodacre, Kate; Nissim, Mayer (November 5, 2014). "Vince McMahon sorry for WWE Network UK delay: 'We're working day and night'". Digital Spy. Retrieved December 10, 2014.
    39. Ahmed, Tufayel (2015-01-18). "WWE Network launches in the UK: How can I sign up? All the details you need". mirror. Retrieved 2019-08-14.
    40. Caldwell, James (January 13, 2014). "WWE Network launches early in U.K. market". PW Torch. Retrieved January 27, 2014.
    41. Graser, Mark (January 27, 2014). "WWE Network Reaches 1 Million Subscriber Milestone". Variety. Retrieved January 27, 2014.
    42. "WWE Network Hits 1 Million Subscribers". Business Wire. January 27, 2014. Retrieved January 27, 2014.
    43. Graser, Marc (12 February 2015). "WWE Network Expands in Canada, Middle East".
    44. "WhatCulture.com". 16 August 2015. Archived from the original on 16 August 2015.
    45. "WWE Network".
    46. "WWE Network Streaming Service Coming to India".
    47. "WWE Network Breaks Into Top Five Of Streaming Services". Forbes. November 19, 2015. Retrieved November 21, 2015.
    48. Spangler, Todd (2016-02-11). "WWE Network Revenue Up 60%, With 1.2 Million Internet Video Subs at End of 2015". Variety. Retrieved 2019-08-14.
    49. Songalia, Ryan. "WWE Network now available in the Philippines". Rappler. Retrieved 2019-08-14.
    50. "4/3 WWE Conference Call: WWE executives discuss the latest WWE Network number". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. 2017-04-03. Retrieved 2019-08-14.
    51. "WWE Q3 financials: Stock price, live events, Network number, more". WON/F4W – WWE news, Pro Wrestling News, WWE Results, UFC News, UFC results. 2018-10-25. Retrieved 2019-03-11.
    52. "WWE® Network Hits Record 2.1 Million Subscribers". corporate.wwe.com. Retrieved 2019-03-11.
    53. Spangler, Todd (2019-01-14). "Endeavor Video-Streaming Group Signs WWE, Which Ended Deal With Disney's BAMTech". Variety. Retrieved 2019-01-15.
    54. Weich, Chris (September 10, 2019). "WWE Network 2.0: how WWE rebuilt its streaming service after a split with Disney". The Verge. Retrieved September 11, 2019.
    55. "In what countries is WWE Network available?". WWE Network. Retrieved 1 April 2018.
    56. "WWE offers free access to WWE Network, including every past WrestleMania". WWE. Retrieved 2020-03-24.
    57. "WWE introduces the new Free Version of WWE Network". WWE.com.
    58. Lieberman, David (January 9, 2014). "WWE Sets February 24 Launch Date For Online Network". Deadline. Retrieved January 9, 2014.
    59. Mitovich, Matt Webb; Mitovich, Matt Webb (9 January 2014). "WWE Network to Launch Online, Offer Live Raw and SmackDown Post-Shows and All PPVs".
    60. "WWE launches new U.K. series". WWE. June 18, 2018. Retrieved June 18, 2018.
    61. "BREAKING NEWS: A new brand, #NXTUK is coming to @WWEUK. @TripleH and GM Johnny Saint announced the news this evening @RoyalAlbertHall". WWE on Twitter. June 18, 2018. Retrieved June 18, 2018.
    62. http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-united-kingdom-championship-live
    63. "WWE".
    64. "WWE Announces 2nd Annual Mae Young Classic, King Of The Ring United Kingdom Tournament". Wrestle Zone. Retrieved April 6, 2018.
    65. Coulson, Steve. "NEW SERIES 'WWE NETWORK COLLECTIONS SPOTLIGHT' DEBUTING NEXT WEEK, NEW RIDE ALONG MONDAY". WWE Network News. Retrieved April 26, 2018.
    66. Potter, Jon. "'MARQUEE MATCHES' SET TO AIR ON WWE NETWORK SCHEDULE NEXT WEEK". WWE Network News. Retrieved April 26, 2018.
    67. "Superstar Picks debuts on WWE Network". WWE. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
    68. https://www.wwe.com/article/ruthless-aggression-premieres-wwe-network-feb-16
    69. "WWE® Network to Premiere Holy Foley This August – Business Wire".
    70. "John Layfield on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved 2017-02-23.
    71. Coulson, Steve (2019-07-15). "WWE Network Officially Adds Past Episodes of WWE Then and Now To Archives – Links Included". WWE Network News. Retrieved 2019-07-18.
    72. Coulson, Steve (2019-05-06). "My Son Is A WWE Superstar and My Daughter Is A WWE Superstar Once Again Available on WWE Network – Links Included". WWE Network News. Retrieved 2019-07-18.
    73. Coulson, Steve (2019-06-17). "WWE Network Officially Adds Twenty Episodes of WWE Game Night To Archives – Links Included". WWE Network News. Retrieved 2019-07-18.
    74. Coulson, Steve (2019-04-01). "WWE Network Officially Adds Cathy Kelley's Talking Snack Series Archives – Links Included". WWE Network News. Retrieved 2019-07-18.
    75. Coulson, Steve (2019-06-10). "WWE Network Officially Adds Episodes of WWE Where Are They Now? To Archives – Links Included". WWE Network News. Retrieved 2019-07-18.
    76. "r/wwe_network – WWE Network Collections List". reddit.
    77. Coulson, Steve (3 December 2017). "WWE Network News and Tidbits: Another Collection Removed, Others Updated, and More!". WWE Network News.
    78. "WWE Network News and Tidbits: WWE 24 Goldberg, Collection Removed, Madusa Documentary". WWE Network News. 2017-09-16. Retrieved 2018-02-22.
    79. "Multiple WWE Network Collections Seemingly Gone – Tributes To Past Stars Removed". WWE Network News. 2017-10-02. Retrieved 2018-02-22.
    80. "WWE Network Seemingly Removes Greatest Matches Ever Collection". WWE Network News. 2018-02-17. Retrieved 2018-02-22.
    81. "WWE Network Seemingly Removes Two More Collections". 3 March 2018. Retrieved 5 March 2018.
    82. "WWE Flashback Friday Collection Removed From WWE Network". 3 May 2018. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
    83. "Two Collections and Several Series Removed From WWE Network Archives | WWE Network News". www.wwenetworknews.com. Retrieved 2019-03-19.
    84. "Hidden Gems Collection Removed From WWE Network – Content Still Available Elsewhere On Service". WWE Network News. 2017-11-12. Retrieved 2018-02-22.
    85. Caldwell, James (January 3, 2014). "WWE NEWS: Ross returns to TV on ESPN, Benoit/WWE Network update, top indie tag team turned down?". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved January 7, 2014.
    86. "WWE Faces Difficult Decisions On Network Content". KDKA-TV. February 7, 2014. Retrieved February 8, 2014.
    87. Gelston, Dan (January 9, 2014). "WWE launching 24/7 network in February". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved January 12, 2014.
    88. Johnson, Vaughn (February 26, 2014). "Early impressions of the WWE Network". Philadelphia Media Network. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
    89. Meltzer, Dave. "MON. UPDATE: WWE network news". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Archived from the original on March 1, 2014. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
    90. "Music Edits on WWE Network, Intro & Screens of WWE Signature Sounds DVD – Wrestling DVD Network".
    91. "HOW WWE RESOLVED THE ECW/NEW JACK ISSUE ON THE WWE NETWORK - PWInsider.com".
    92. "- WON/F4W – WWE news, Pro Wrestling News, WWE Results, UFC News, UFC results".
    93. "Every pay-per-view available on WWE Network". WWE. February 4, 2014. Archived from the original on February 5, 2014. Retrieved February 8, 2014.
    94. "Throwback Thursday: WWF Royal Rumble 1988, As Seen on WWE Network". Retrieved 25 October 2018.
    95. "WWE Network Officially Adds 2002 Event WWE Global Warning To Archives – Info On Version and Location Inside". www.wwenetworknews.com. Retrieved 25 October 2018.
    96. Coulson, Steve (2019-07-15). "ECW Supershows Officially Added To WWE Network Archives As July's Classic Content – Links Included". WWE Network News. Retrieved 2019-07-18.
    97. "WWE Home Video Classics Now Available on WWE Network; Update on Edits". 5 February 2018. Retrieved 26 February 2018.
    98. "UPDATED: WWE Network Adds more Coliseum Videos Including a Mid-90s Undertaker Compilation". 26 July 2018. Retrieved 30 July 2018.
    99. "UPDATED x5: WWE Network Continues Home Video Classics Uploads With 1995 Diesel Compilation And More". 2 August 2018. Retrieved 3 August 2018.
    100. "UPDATEDx2: WWE Network Adds Several Coliseum Home Video Releases; Is This August's Classic Content?". 24 July 2018. Retrieved 25 July 2018.
    101. "WWE Network Adds More Coliseum Video Releases Including Another Hogan Compilation". 25 July 2018. Retrieved 25 July 2018.
    102. "UPDATED: WWE Network Resumes Coliseum Video Classic Content Uploads". 31 July 2018. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
    103. "WWE Network Resumes Coliseum Home Video Uploads With 1997 Sunny Release". 1 August 2018. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
    104. Potter, Jon (2019-08-20). "NXT Moving to USA Network September 18th; What Does This Mean for WWE Network?". WWE Network News. Retrieved 2019-08-20.
    105. "WWE Network Officially Adds 92 Episodes of All Star Wrestling; Links Included". 5 March 2018. Retrieved 5 March 2018.
    106. "WWE Network Adds More Than 50 Episodes of Sunday Night Heat; Links Included". 7 May 2018. Retrieved 7 May 2018.
    107. Coulson, Steve. "EXCLUSIVE: Full Listing For WWE Confidential Classic Content Drop Coming To WWE Network Next Week". www.wwenetworknews.com. Retrieved 2019-02-18.
    108. "November's Classic Content Officially Added To Archives – WCW Thunder Series Now Completely Available On Demand | WWE Network News". www.wwenetworknews.com. Retrieved 2019-11-18.
    109. "UPDATED X3 WWE Network Adds More Mid-Atlantic TV From 1984 and 1985". 2 July 2018. Retrieved 3 July 2018.
    110. "UPDATED WWE Network Adds More 1983 And 1984 Mid-South Wrestling". 1 June 2018. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
    111. "WWE Network Uploads Stray WCCW Episodes From 1985". 6 June 2018. Retrieved 6 June 2018.
    112. WWE.com Staff (February 15, 2014). ""Stone Cold" Steve Austin, Shawn Michaels & Bret "Hit Man" Hart talk WWE Network". WWE.com. WWE. Archived from the original on March 2, 2014. Retrieved February 24, 2014.
    113. "This Saturday: The best independent wrestling companies come to WWE Network". WWE. Retrieved 2020-08-14.
    114. Lamont, Martin (27 July 2015). "Update On Hulk Hogan Content On The WWE Network".
    115. "411MANIA". WWE Pulled Stampede Wrestling From WWE Network After Bret Hart Contacted Them.
    116. Coulson, Steve (5 May 2016). "WWE Network Removes More Categories and Videos – What Was Moved and What Was Removed?". WWE Network News.
    117. Luckerson, Victor (January 10, 2014). "Holds Barred: Why the WWE Isn't Going to Cable". TIME. Retrieved January 11, 2014.
    118. Flint, Joe (January 9, 2014). "DirecTV may sever ties with WWE over new online network". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
    119. "WWE NEWS: DirecTV not carrying WWE PPVs, WWE responds". PWTorch. April 14, 2014. Retrieved April 14, 2014.
    120. "Dish Stops Offering WWE's PPVs Before New Network Launch". Variety. February 19, 2014. Retrieved February 20, 2014.
    121. Johnson, Mike. "BIG ABOUT FACE FOR DISH NETWORK AND WWE PPVS, STARTING WITH WRESTLEMANIA". Retrieved March 25, 2014.
    122. "DISH Network to air WrestleMania 33 on traditional pay-per-view". 3 March 2017.
    123. Poggi, Jeanine (October 13, 2014). "WWE's Online Network Signs First Advertisers". Advertising Age. Retrieved October 13, 2014.
    124. Richards, Katie (October 13, 2014). "Here's Why Pepsi, Mattel and Kmart Are Rushing To Advertise On The WWE's Netflix-For-Wrestling". WWE-Network. Retrieved October 13, 2014.
    This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.