WWE Network Rumor

Something big is happening on January 8th, 2014.  World Wrestling Entertainment (the WWE) is holding a press conference in Las Vegas, with rumors of an announcement regarding the long awaited, much anticipated, WWE Network.   I have anxiously been waiting for this announcement ever since I first caught wind of the ‘WWE Network’ on the September 5, 2011 episode of ‘Raw’.  This was the first time the ‘Network’ was advertised, and at that point it had a projected launch for sometime in 2012.  

But, due to delays, and a lack of interest from Cable Television providers, this date has continued to be pushed back further and further. 

Which brings us to 2014, and according to more speculation, the WWE’s current plan for the network is to launch it during the 1st quarter of the year, specifically February 24, 2014- the day after the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view.  

I can’t wait!

After researching a few sources, it may well be that WWE creates its’ network in a similar platform to Netflix.   Meaning that it will feature streamed content via the internet, as opposed to being carried by traditional Cable TV providers.  Subscribers will be able to watch online and on devices like smart TV’s, newer Playstation and XBox consoles, etcetera.  As well, there will be a live 24/7 stream of content on the network, which will separate it from apps like Netflix.  Yet, On-Demand viewing will still be a major component of the network, as entire libraries of ‘Raw’ and ‘Smackdown’ episodes, pay-per-views, footage from WCW, ECW, NWA and AWA, will all be available to watch at launch.  The projected initial price point for the the WWE Network will be in the $10-$12 per month range, with subscribers signing-up for a minimum of 6months.  WrestleMania 30 will be a throw-in bonus for those who sign up early.  It is also speculated that the WWE's eight 'secondary' pay-per-views would be featured on the network for subscribers, while the four ‘primary feature’ pay-per-views (Royal Rumble, WrestleMania, SummerSlam and Survivor Series) would remain on pay-per-view.  

I love the idea of a WWE network app for my smartTV.  Put it this way, I often have my WWE On-Demand channel on at all hours, even while I sleep.   This new ‘WWE Network’ will be very much like my On-Demand channel only on steroids.  I will have to contain my excitement though.  The  WWE’s Director of Public Relations has issued this following statement to quell the rumors and speculation in regards to the status of the WWE Network.

“In addition to not being able to confirm timing of WWE Network launch, WWE is still considering all options for distribution, pricing, and role of pay-per-view.”

So, I guess i will just have to continue to be patient (ahem) and wait until the Jan.8th WWE press-conference from Las Vegas to get any straight facts.