The WWE Network is a subscription-based streaming platform and digital network owned by WWE, a division of TKO Group Holdings. It primarily offers original professional wrestling content, including live events, TV shows, documentaries, and a 24/7 channel. Additionally, it features acquired programming from other wrestling organizations.
May 1985: WWE Network Censorship and Music Replacement
The WWE Network, while promoting on-demand content as unedited, implemented censorship measures for certain content. Expletives, gestures, and nudity were subject to censorship. Furthermore, due to a 2012 settlement with the World Wide Fund for Nature, instances of the "WWF" initials and the "WWF scratch" logo were censored in some older programming. Original music was also replaced with alternative tracks in certain cases. For example, the original intro music to Saturday Night's Main Event, "Obsession" by Animotion, was replaced in episodes from May 1985 to January 1988.
January 1988: WWE Network Censorship and Music Replacement
The WWE Network, while promoting on-demand content as unedited, implemented censorship measures for certain content. Expletives, gestures, and nudity were subject to censorship. Furthermore, due to a 2012 settlement with the World Wide Fund for Nature, instances of the "WWF" initials and the "WWF scratch" logo were censored in some older programming. Original music was also replaced with alternative tracks in certain cases. For example, the original intro music to Saturday Night's Main Event, "Obsession" by Animotion, was replaced in episodes from May 1985 to January 1988.
1988: WWE Network Pay-Per-View Section Includes Non-Pay-Per-View Events
The WWE Network's pay-per-view section included several events that were not originally broadcast on pay-per-view. This included events like Royal Rumble 1988 and WWE Global Warning Tour: Melbourne. Additionally, numerous ECW Supercards were listed as pay-per-views, even though they never aired in that format.
1998: WWE Network Edits Matches Featuring New Jack
At its launch, the WWE Network removed almost all matches featuring New Jack from ECW pay-per-views, including his surprise return at Heat Wave 1998. This decision was attributed to a combination of music rights issues related to his entrance music and the inability to remove the music without affecting the original commentary. The deleted matches were eventually reinstated with replacement music and newly recorded commentary by Joey Styles. Additionally, several pay-per-views on the platform were copies of their condensed home video releases, resulting in missing matches compared to the live events.
1999: WWE Network Makes Over the Edge 1999 Available with Edits
Over the Edge 1999, an event marked by the tragic death of Owen Hart, became available on the WWE Network for the first time since its original airing in 1999. However, out of respect for the Hart family, certain portions of the event were edited.
June 2000: Court Ruling in Favor of WWF
In June 2000, the Delaware Chancery Court ruled in favor of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), now known as WWE, in a lawsuit against USA Network regarding a breach of contract.
2002: WWF Rebrands to WWE
In 2002, the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) rebranded itself as World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
2005: USA Network Re-acquires WWE Programming Rights
In 2005, USA Network re-acquired the rights to all WWE programming, reestablishing their partnership.
2005: WWE Network Further Edits Content for Peacock
The Peacock-hosted version of the WWE Network underwent further content edits by NBCUniversal. This included removing racially insensitive content from two pay-per-views: WrestleMania VI (where a match between Roddy Piper and Bad News Brown with Piper's body painted half-black was edited) and Survivor Series 2005 (where a backstage segment with Vince McMahon using a racial slur was removed).
2007: WWE Network Airs Footage Featuring Chris Benoit with Edits
The WWE Network made the decision to air footage featuring Chris Benoit, marking the first time such content was shown since his tragic double-murder-suicide in 2007. However, sensitive material, like the Benoit tribute episode of Raw, was replaced with alternative programming. Additionally, Vengeance: Night of Champions in 2007 was edited to remove references to Benoit during the ECW World Championship match.
September 2011: WWE Announces Plans for WWE Network
In September 2011, WWE officially announced plans to launch the WWE Network in 2012 as a pay-TV channel. The company also conducted a survey to gauge interest and potential subscription rates.
October 17, 2011: WrestleMania Rewind Show Announced
On October 17, 2011, 'WrestleMania Rewind' was chosen as a new show for WWE Network through an online poll.
April 1, 2012: Planned Launch Date for WWE Network
The original launch date for WWE Network was set for April 1, 2012, to coincide with WrestleMania XXVIII. However, the launch was delayed.
2012: WWE Network Survey
In 2012, WWE sent out an email survey to fans to gather opinions on the WWE Network, including whether the network should air WWE pay-per-views at no additional charge and feature content from various wrestling promotions.
2012: WWE Network Censorship and Music Replacement
The WWE Network, while promoting on-demand content as unedited, implemented censorship measures for certain content. Expletives, gestures, and nudity were subject to censorship. Furthermore, due to a 2012 settlement with the World Wide Fund for Nature, instances of the "WWF" initials and the "WWF scratch" logo were censored in some older programming. Original music was also replaced with alternative tracks in certain cases. For example, the original intro music to Saturday Night's Main Event, "Obsession" by Animotion, was replaced in episodes from May 1985 to January 1988.
April 2013: Switch to Premium Pay-TV Outlet
In April 2013, WWE shifted its plans and aimed to release the WWE Network as a premium pay-TV outlet, potentially priced at $15 a month.
January 31, 2014: Closure of WWE Classics on Demand
WWE Classics on Demand closed on January 31, 2014, to make way for the WWE Network.
February 19, 2014: Dish Network's Inconsistent Carriage of WWE Pay-Per-Views
In February 2014, Dish Network announced its intention to carry WWE pay-per-views on a case-by-case basis, starting with Elimination Chamber. However, the company backtracked, stating that WWE's unwillingness to adjust pay-per-view costs for satellite and cable companies was unfair to customers. Dish later chose to air WrestleMania XXX but declined to offer WrestleMania 31 and 32. They resumed offering WWE pay-per-views in 2017, including WrestleMania 33.
February 24, 2014: WWE Network Launches in the United States
On February 24, 2014, WWE Network launched in the United States as a digital successor to WWE Classics on Demand. This marked the beginning of the service's expansion to other regions later in the year. The launch received positive feedback for its content library but faced criticism for technical issues.
April 2014: Acclaim for WWE Network Ahead of WrestleMania XXX
In April 2014, ahead of WrestleMania XXX, WWE Network received acclaim, with The New York Times noting WWE's position at the cutting edge of Internet television. However, the company reported 667,000 subscribers, below the one million needed to break even.
August 2014: New WWE Logo Introduction
In August 2014, the logo initially used for the WWE Network became the standard logo for the WWE corporation.
October 2014: WWE Network Introduces Advertising
In October 2014, WWE Network announced the introduction of advertising on the platform, with companies like Mattel, Kmart, and Pepsi coming on board. While scheduled programming remained commercial-free, 30-second ads were placed between shows. Additionally, one 15 or 30-second ad was shown before every fourth stream of on-demand content.
October 30, 2014: Six-Month Subscription Requirement Dropped
On October 30, 2014, WWE dropped the 6-month subscription requirement for the WWE Network, allowing subscribers to cancel at any time in an attempt to increase subscription numbers.
January 4, 2015: Announcement of UK and Ireland Launch
On January 4, 2015, WWE announced that the WWE Network would launch in the UK and Ireland on January 19, 2015, priced at £9.99 and €12.99 respectively.
January 19, 2015: WWE Network Launches in the UK and Ireland
The WWE Network officially launched in the UK and Ireland on January 19, 2015, after an initial delay.
January 27, 2015: WWE Network Hits 1 Million Subscribers
On January 27, 2015, WWE announced that the WWE Network had reached 1 million subscribers. Vince McMahon expressed satisfaction and a commitment to enhancing the platform's value proposition with additional content and features.
February 2015: WWE Network Launches in the United Kingdom
In February 2015, WWE Network launched in the United Kingdom, continuing its international expansion.
July 30, 2015: WWE Network Reaches 1.156 Million Subscribers, Reports Second Quarter Financials
On July 30, 2015, WWE disclosed a subscriber count of 1.156 million for the WWE Network. Despite a 13% decline from the previous quarter, the announcement contributed to a surge in their stock price. The company also revealed a total of 1.227 million Network users, including trial subscribers, and highlighted that over 2 million unique subscribers had engaged with the platform since its launch.
January 2016: WWE Network Expands to Additional Countries
In January 2016, WWE Network expanded its services to additional European and Asian countries, furthering its global reach.
April 2017: WWE Network Reports 1.949 Million Subscribers, Including 1.661 Million Paid Subscribers
In April 2017, WWE announced a total of 1.949 million subscribers to the WWE Network, with 1.661 million being paid subscribers. By the end of the third quarter, the number of paid subscribers had fallen to 1.5 million.
2017: Dish Network's Inconsistent Carriage of WWE Pay-Per-Views
In February 2014, Dish Network announced its intention to carry WWE pay-per-views on a case-by-case basis, starting with Elimination Chamber. However, the company backtracked, stating that WWE's unwillingness to adjust pay-per-view costs for satellite and cable companies was unfair to customers. Dish later chose to air WrestleMania XXX but declined to offer WrestleMania 31 and 32. They resumed offering WWE pay-per-views in 2017, including WrestleMania 33.
April 2018: WWE Network Subscriber Base Grows to 2.1 Million, Paid Subscribers Reach 1.8 Million
In April 2018, WWE announced a positive trend in subscriber growth for the WWE Network, reaching 2.1 million subscribers, including 1.8 million paid subscribers. However, by the end of the third quarter, the count of paid subscribers had declined to 1.6 million.
January 2019: WWE Network Selects Endeavor Streaming as New Operating Partner
In January 2019, WWE Network partnered with Endeavor Streaming, replacing BAMTech as its operating partner. This decision was driven by Disney's acquisition of BAMTech and WWE's desire for greater control over the service, aiming for potential in-house management or alternative partnerships.
March 31, 2019: OSN Discontinues WWE Content, Leading to Direct WWE Network Access in MENA Region
On March 31, 2019, all OSN Sports channels, including WWE content, were shut down. Subsequently, WWE announced direct access to the Network in the MENA region without a regional provider.
July 2019: WWE Network Removes "WWE Collections"
In July 2019, WWE Network underwent an update that included the removal of all "WWE Collections." These curated video packages had previously showcased memorable characters and storylines from WWE history.
July 2019: Revamped WWE Network Platform Launches
In July 2019, WWE launched a new WWE Network platform, introducing an enhanced user interface, 1080p streaming support, improved browsing features, and plans for an offline viewing download option. However, this change led to the discontinuation of support for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and certain older smart TV models.
December 2019: WWE Renews Agreement with SuperSport in Sub-Saharan Africa
In December 2019, WWE expanded its partnership with SuperSport in Sub-Saharan Africa, adding a dedicated WWE channel to the DStv platform. The channel features a wide range of WWE programming, including live events and original series.
2019: Endeavor Streaming Takes Over WWE Network Operations
In 2019, Endeavor Streaming assumed technical operations of WWE Network, shifting from the previous reliance on MLB Advanced Media and BAMTech. The WWE Network continued to operate primarily as a standalone service, with variations in its distribution model according to different market agreements. The service included both premium and free tiers in 2019.
March 2020: WWE Network Offers Free Premium Content Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
In March 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, WWE Network made a selection of its premium content and archives available for free for a limited time, providing fans with entertainment options during a challenging period.
June 1, 2020: WWE Network Introduces Free Tier with 15,000 Hours of Content
On June 1, 2020, WWE Network officially introduced a free tier, providing access to 15,000 hours of content. This strategic move aimed to promote their weekly shows and pay-per-view events with ad-free access to selected content, including recent episodes of weekly programming and original series.
October 30, 2020: WWE Network Reaches 1.5 Million Subscribers
By October 30, 2020, WWE Network had amassed 1.5 million subscribers, showcasing significant growth since its launch in 2014.
January 25, 2021: NBCUniversal Acquires WWE Network for Peacock Streaming Service
On January 25, 2021, WWE announced that NBCUniversal had secured the exclusive U.S. distribution rights to WWE Network, leading to its integration into the Peacock streaming platform. This deal would see WWE Network content hosted within a dedicated channel on Peacock.
March 18, 2021: WWE Network Integrates with Peacock Streaming Service
On March 18, 2021, the WWE Network was integrated into NBCUniversal's Peacock streaming service. This partnership granted Peacock exclusive rights to stream WWE content in the United States, making it a key destination for fans.
April 4, 2021: Standalone WWE Network Ceases Operations in the United States
On April 4, 2021, the standalone WWE Network platform ceased operations in the United States. This marked the completion of the transition to Peacock as the exclusive streaming home for WWE Network content in the region.
August 2021: WWE Network Content Migration to Peacock Completed, Content Edited to Meet NBCUniversal Standards
By August 2021, the migration of WWE Network content to Peacock was finalized. However, the process involved removing or editing content deemed inappropriate by NBCUniversal's standards and practices.
March 3, 2022: WWE Terminates Broadcasting in Russia
In response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, WWE announced on March 3, 2022, the termination of its broadcasting relationship with Russia. This decision resulted in the shutdown of the WWE Network in the country, aligning with the international sanctions imposed on Russia.
March 23, 2022: Shahid Acquires Exclusive Rights to WWE Network Content in MENA Region
On March 23, 2022, Shahid gained exclusive rights to distribute WWE Network content in the MENA region, marking a shift in the platform's regional availability.
October 20, 2022: WWE Network to be Available on Disney+ in the Philippines
On October 20, 2022, WWE announced that its content would be available on Disney+ in the Philippines upon the platform's launch on November 17, 2022.
November 17, 2022: WWE Network Launches on Disney+ in the Philippines
WWE Network content became available on Disney+ in the Philippines on November 17, 2022, coinciding with the streaming platform's launch in the country.
2022: WWE Expands Streaming Partnerships Globally, Merges WWE Network into Other Services
In 2022, WWE pursued agreements to integrate WWE Network content into existing streaming platforms in several regions. These partnerships included Disney+ Hotstar in Indonesia, Binge in Australia (alongside a dedicated WWE linear channel on Foxtel), Disney+ in the Philippines, and Abema in Japan, reflecting a strategy to leverage established streaming services for wider reach and distribution.
2022: WWE to Produce Annual Documentary for Peacock Starting in 2022
Beginning in 2022, WWE committed to producing an annual "signature documentary" exclusively for Peacock as part of the deal with NBCUniversal. This move aimed to provide Peacock subscribers with unique WWE content.
January 23, 2023: WWE Network Launches on Binge in Australia
WWE Network launched on Binge in Australia on January 23, 2023, as part of a partnership with Foxtel. The agreement also includes the continuation of WWE programming on Foxtel's Fox8 channel and the introduction of a new WWE-branded linear channel.
January 23, 2024: WWE Announces Global Streaming Agreement with Netflix for Raw and Other Programming
On January 23, 2024, WWE announced a significant agreement with Netflix, granting the streaming giant global streaming rights for Raw and rights to Raw, SmackDown, NXT, documentaries, and pay-per-view events outside of the United States. This deal was set to commence in January 2025.
January 25, 2024: Reports Indicate Potential Shutdown of Remaining WWE Network International Operations in 2024
On January 25, 2024, wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer reported the likelihood of WWE Network shutting down its remaining international operations by the end of 2024, suggesting a strategic shift towards the Netflix agreement for global distribution.
2024: WWE Announces 10-Year Netflix Deal
In 2024, WWE announced a 10-year rights deal with Netflix, covering international rights for all WWE weekly shows, Premium Live Events, original series, and future projects from 2025. This deal effectively marked the shutdown of WWE Network in most markets.
January 2025: Netflix's Streaming Deal with WWE for Global and International Content Begins
Starting in January 2025, Netflix's comprehensive streaming agreement with WWE for global and international content is set to begin. This deal will bring a vast library of WWE programming to Netflix subscribers worldwide.
2025: WWE Network Shutdown in Most Markets
From 2025, WWE Network will be shut down in most markets due to the 10-year rights deal with Netflix announced in 2024.