It’s no secret that WWE has been the trendsetter in pro wrestling as its grand deal with Netflix shows. Moreover, the deal may completely revolutionize the entire pro wrestling industry when it comes to presentation. After all, by moving to a streaming service, WWE won’t be hindered by restrictions enforced by cable networks.
Indeed, WWE understands how financially beneficial streaming services can be. It did create its own network, the WWE Network. Generally, fans could watch their Premium Live Events (PLEs) and other exclusives on the subscription service. They also could save money with affordable prices. Think about it — instead of paying $60 for pay-per-view to watch WrestleMania, you can catch the same show for $10-20 a month depending on your streaming service.
WWE and Streaming Services
Preceding the Netflix deal, WWE gained experience with streaming networks thanks to Peacock. Since 2021, they’ve aired PLEs on Peacock. But it also put the entire company video library on there. For international fans, Peacock exclusively has aired WWE content in the United States.
Peacock had experience in airing live events prior to their deal. Before working with the company, Peacock made a deal with the National Football League for exclusive rights to air one playoff game. Ultimately, Peacock paid the NFL $110 million for exclusive rights.
Despite various fans and players’ stances against the deal, the NFL playoff game pulled in around 23 million viewers. It’s safe to say that Peacock’s gamble paid off. NBC, the parent company of Peacock, announced that the NFL playoff game was the most streamed live event in U.S. television history.
The NFL also put a deal together with Amazon for Thursday Night Football games. With this deal, the NFL opened more flex games to their Monday and Thursday time slots.
WWE Makes Its Move
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As you can see, the streaming industry is making big bucks through television products. Why wouldn’t WWE jump on the bandwagon? This is especially true as streaming networks become the norm. Hulu has joined the live TV shows, too, with different shows.
The company will say goodbye to USA Network for Monday Night Raw. Beginning in January 2025, the show officially moves to Netflix. Other content will be moving to Netflix as well over time. Friday Night SmackDown, which has been airing on Fox, will move back to USA Network in September 2024. NXT, which has been airing on USA Network, will move later this year to The CW. Be on the lookout for where the PLEs, documentaries, and other original content lands. This all is part of a $5 billion deal.
WWE-Netflix Deal Affects Fans
This WWE-Netflix deal should excite present and future Netflix subscribers. If there is any downside, then it would come from Netflix’s live event library. Its library isn’t so extensive to make any observations on its success.
So far, Netflix’s live-streaming catalog has experienced some success. For instance, Chris Rock’s comedic stand-up special, Selective Outrage, broke streaming records. The Love is Blind live reunion was a total flop. Netflix offers pro wrestling fans more affordable, accessible options to watch Monday Night Raw. But outrage from pro wrestling fans may skyrocket if the show doesn’t do well.
Sadly, while both companies make money, the regular wrestling fan gets left behind. With that said, if you’re not a subscriber, then there’s bad news for you. Since Netflix has exclusive rights to Monday Night Raw, fans can only watch it on the streaming service.
An Effect on the TV Industry
So, what does this new deal mean for the television industry? Nothing much. Depending on the move’s success, it may push streaming services to gain more power in the entertainment industry. Eventually, live events may soon become exclusive to streaming services only. This would hurt the cable television business.
Consequently, the big deal will affect the pro wrestling business. This deal also has gotten the attention of All-Elite Wrestling (AEW) and Total Non-Stop Action Wrestling (TNA). Those companies are going to possibly test the streaming waters themselves in due time. Only time will tell.
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