WWE Network

The endlessly pending WWE Network is facing further setbacks. Reports claimed that no contract with any network provider had been signed and all hirings for within the network have also been put on hold. Have WWE bitten off more than they can chew?

As a UK fan I already pay £19 a month for Sky Sports, on top of that I pay £14.99 every other month for PPV’s and on top of that another £30 annually for my WWE Magazine subscription. Then there are all the other things, tickets to live shows, merchandise and all the signed memorabilia I have tirelessly collected over the years. Surely I’m not expected to pay even more?

A survey conducted in the States concluded that as little as only 100,000 people would be willing to pay a monthly subscription fee for the WWE Network. Would I be in that select category? No chance in hell! As amazing as 24/7 year round WWE entertainment would be, I wonder with what they might fill all this time? It would have to be good stuff to warrant paying a subscription. It’s bad enough watching endless reruns, promos and adverts during the 3 hours of Monday Night Raw, let alone day after day and having to pay for the privilege. PPV’s are not included in the package; after all they alone bring in a massive amount of revenue for the company. It’s a nice idea but I believe it’s too much to take on.

With ratings seemingly relying of late on the return of big names and legends, WWE need to focus on the current product rather than the pipedream of one man with far too much spare $$$. As with many things, it should be quality over quantity. WWE have proven time and time again that they are the leading sports entertainment company in the world and are more than capable of making great, entertaining TV that appeals to the masses. However, they’ve never managed to be consistent in doing so. I love WWE and always will: there is no other form of entertainment that offers the release of making me feel like a child every time I watch.

The WWE experience remains as exciting to me now as it did when I was a child and I will remain a loyal fan. Even as a lifelong, loyal fan, there is only so much cash I’m able, or willing, to fork out. With Wrestlemania prices soaring, shipping fees being bumped up and the ridiculous amount of money annually spent on PPV’s can we really say it’s the best value in sports entertainment anymore?

I’m certain WWE will continue to grow and continue to dominate its field; I’m just not sure the WWE Network is the way to broaden the spectrum of viewers. With so many countless setbacks before it’s anywhere near to being launched, is it doomed from the offset? With fans and critics alike foreseeing its epic failure, WWE need to put up or shut up pretty sharpish if red faces are to be avoided!

As always you can follow me on Twitter @helenrobinson82