WWE is moving outside the ring to mesh the best of Hulk Hogan, The Rock and John Cena all in one place — its own network. The WWE Network launches Feb. 24 as a streaming service for $9.99 per month with a six-month commitment and will include all 12 pay-per-view events.
The network is available on desktops and laptops via WWE.com. WWE Network will also be available through the WWE App on: Amazon’s Kindle Fire devices; Android devices such as Samsung Galaxy; iOS devices such as Apple iPad and iPhone; Roku streaming devices; PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4; and Xbox 360.
“WWE Network will provide transformative growth for our company and unprecedented value for our fans,” WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon said Wednesday.
WWE joins the NFL, NHL, NBA and MLB as the latest sports-based organization that has its own around-the-clock network. The network will air original content, including pregame and postgame shows for its flagship “Raw” on Monday nights, classic events, reality shows, documentaries and other forms of smashmouth programming. The on-demand content is the main selling point for an older audience looking to reconnect with the product.
“We believe that is the future,” WWE chief revenue and marketing officer Michelle Wilson said.
Fans can relive matches from the Attitude Era or simply catch up on today’s franchise players like Daniel Bryan and C.M. Punk. From their own home or parts unknown, WWE believes it has the loyal fan base needed to support the project.
Up against the BCS national championship game, Monday’s “Raw” averaged a sturdy 4.537 million viewers on USA Network for the three-hour show.
