WWE Network VOD launch delayed in UK
David Farnor | On 04, Nov 2014
The launch of WWE Network, the wrestling group’s VOD platform, has been delayed in the UK.
The wrestling on-demand service was all set to arrive in the UK on Monday 3rd November, but its debut has been postponed indefinitely. WWE Network has already premiered in a range of territories, starting 9 months ago in the US and expanding to 170 more countries over the summer, including Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Mexico and Spain.
WWE Network was planned to be released on iPhone, iPad, both generations of PlayStation and Xbox consoles, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku devices, select Smart TVs and – through WWE.com – Android devices.
The subscription streaming service had not yet confirmed its pricing for the UK (it costs $9.99 in the US), but November was to be a free month for all new members, with the previous requirement for a six-month minimum contract shortened to a monthly rolling agreement. Subscribers would be given access to a library of classic matches to stream, in addition to weekly live shows and all PPV events – including, crucially, the upcoming Survivor Series, starting 23rd November.
At present, Sky has an exclusive deal to distribute WWE content in the UK, one that lasts until 2019. Survivor Series will be available through Sky Sports Box Office on a £14.95 pay-per-view basis, far higher than the potential subscription fee. While some speculate that the WWE Network launch delay is connected to BSkyB’s potential loss of revenue, WWE Network has not given any further details.
Sorry but @WWENetwork won't be launching in the UK today as planned.I don't have any details.Will let you know when I do.
— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) November 3, 2014
“The launch of WWE Network in the U.K. has been delayed until further notice,” it said in an official press release consisting of two short sentences.
“WWE would like to thank our fans in the United Kingdom for bearing with us.”
