WWE Network could change the landscape of PPV

[Dpantherman]

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.

 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/09/wwe-network_n_4565607.html?ir=Sports

 

DirecTV already sounds aggravated

"Clearly we need to quickly re-evaluate the economics and viability of their business with us, as it now appears the WWE feels they do not need their PPV distributors," DirecTV said in a statement, adding that the audience for its events "has been steadily declining, and this new low-cost competitive offering will only accelerate this trend."

 

http://www.awfulannouncing.com/2014/january/directv-isn-t-too-happy-with-the-wwe-network.html

 

Obviously this is just like the Netflix model. But WWE has a very large library of content that includes AWA, NWA, WCW, ECW, among others. Along with their other weekly TV shows. But the kicker is that the 9.99/month price includes every monthly ppv. It's a no brainier for fans that are already paying $55 every month (yes, they are still out there, even with Internet streams and such). If it works I wouldn't be surprised to see MMA and boxing companies try it.

[Rise of The Hive]

I may get it but I think they missed the boat by not having it available on tv.

[Zaximus]

I may get it but I think they missed the boat by not having it available on tv.

 

I don't.  Streaming on consoles, PC, and mobile devices is the way of the future.  People are dropping cable/satellite at an alarming rate and it will only continue because cable companies refuse to get smart and offer pay-per-channel pricing.   If they put it on TV they would be stuck dealing with annoying cable/sat companies who probably wouldn't let them offer it on other devices.  This way they control it 100% and I expect it to be successful.

[frash.exe]

As one of their older audience patrons who barely follows today's product, never before seen camera angles of the undertaker's bad hair day at survivor series 1991 being included in the perks is an instant sell for me

[CCS]

It definitely won't change the way that I illegally stream ppvs and watch old matches on Youtube.

 

 

 

Well, maybe the latter since they'll be taking down every match in existence now.

[d-dave]

This is very interesting to me.  I am not a wresting fan, but the model is very interesting.  I'd be curious to see how long the streaming last before they have to shut the doors and go back to relying on the current TV company model.

 

I do think with the rise of actual SMART TVs (look at the WebOS TVs from LG!), we could see some movement towards the old internet TV that people like MS have been trying to get for decades!  That to me is the most exciting.

 

For too many years Telecoms like TWC, DirectTV, Dish, Comcast, ect have been gouging the socks off consumers.  The more we move to a pro-consumer model, the better for everyone.

[Davidson Deac II]

Streaming it to my TV is ok, but I don't really get the appeal of watching TV on a ipad screen. 

[d-dave]

Streaming it to my TV is ok, but I don't really get the appeal of watching TV on a ipad screen. 

 

I didn't see the point until we got an ipad (and netflix and hulu plus once we cut cable).  On weekends, especially during football season, I like to be able to lounge around and watch what I want.  But by the time the 2 year old is in bed, my wife is beat, and I'd like to unwind without our damnable cats irritating the world.  Heck, it's also great to chill under the covers on a cold night, head phones in, and watching whatever it is I'm watching.  It's not for everyone, I'll admit that.  But it sure was nice to be able to catch some late night college football before passing out.  Then it's turn it off, put on night stand, and drift off to dream land.

 

It works for me.  Its very relaxing, even though everything I read says not to use electronics before bed.  Doesn't bother me!

 

I love the future of streaming TV channels.  Cut out TWC/DirectTV/Ect and get it straight from the provider.  They will catch on and start bettering their prices.  TWC is already feeling the pinch, I double my internet speed, and kept the same price for the year (which will have to be renegotiated next January when they try to nail me on a price increase).

[Rise of The Hive]

I don't.  Streaming on consoles, PC, and mobile devices is the way of the future.  People are dropping cable/satellite at an alarming rate and it will only continue because cable companies refuse to get smart and offer pay-per-channel pricing.   If they put it on TV they would be stuck dealing with annoying cable/sat companies who probably wouldn't let them offer it on other devices.  This way they control it 100% and I expect it to be successful.

 

I guess if I had a PS3 I would get it but if I am going to be watching on the computer anyway I'll just stream it unless that gets taken away altogether by this somehow.

[Davidson Deac II]

I didn't see the point until we got an ipad (and netflix and hulu plus once we cut cable).  On weekends, especially during football season, I like to be able to lounge around and watch what I want.  But by the time the 2 year old is in bed, my wife is beat, and I'd like to unwind without our damnable cats irritating the world.  Heck, it's also great to chill under the covers on a cold night, head phones in, and watching whatever it is I'm watching.  It's not for everyone, I'll admit that.  But it sure was nice to be able to catch some late night college football before passing out.  Then it's turn it off, put on night stand, and drift off to dream land.

 

It works for me.  Its very relaxing, even though everything I read says not to use electronics before bed.  Doesn't bother me!

 

I love the future of streaming TV channels.  Cut out TWC/DirectTV/Ect and get it straight from the provider.  They will catch on and start bettering their prices.  TWC is already feeling the pinch, I double my internet speed, and kept the same price for the year (which will have to be renegotiated next January when they try to nail me on a price increase).

 

TWC will be safe for a while because of its internet connection.  And I have a feeling they and the other providers are going to make up for the tv losses in other ways. 

 

I still  am not fond of watching on my laptop or tablet though.  Much prefer my 50 inch plasma.  :)

[d-dave]

TWC will be safe for a while because of its internet connection.  And I have a feeling they and the other providers are going to make up for the tv losses in other ways. 

 

I still  am not fond of watching on my laptop or tablet though.  Much prefer my 50 inch plasma. 

 

We'll see how safe TWC is.  Charter is trying to buy them, and it's getting ugly!

 

I agree it's preferable to watch good content on the ole plasma (2011 Panny for me), but streaming is super convenient.  Since I don't have a cable subscription, streaming is key for me.

[Davidson Deac II]

We'll see how safe TWC is.  Charter is trying to buy them, and it's getting ugly!

 

Guess I should clarify.

 

I meant the Cable industry is safe for a while because it provides the best Internet service.

 

Time Warner could still be the victim of a buyout or poor management. 

[Rise of The Hive]

WWE Countdown sounds like a cool show, it seems kind of like Prime 9  on MLB Network.