WWE Network may undergo changes with tiered pricing options – details on four tiers (w/Keller’s Analysis)

WWE has sent a survey to members of their Fan Council email list asking which “plan” would best suit their preferences. It includes:

-Watching all video clips, less than five minutes each

-Watch live pay-per-view events

-Watch NXT Takeover events

-Watch new weekly NXT TV shows

-Watch new Cruiserweight Classic matches

-Access to all video archives including live event 30 days after their premiered live

-Access to 24/7 stream, minus PPVs, NXT, and CWC.

-Access to independent wrestling content including TNA and ROH.

-A mix of commercial options – full, limited, or none.

-A choice between access on phone & tablets only, or also TV streaming devices and smart TVs.

-Fan perks such as Hall of Fame voting, off-line downloads, early ticket access, VIP meet-ups

Keller’s Analysis: It’s long been believed, and not denied by WWE, that eventual consideration would be given to a tiered pricing plan. The most interesting option is the inclusion of TNA and ROH as an option they’re considering, which would mean either buying TNA and/or ROH or more perhaps offering them a route to earn some revenue from their shows by offering them a distribution model for their content. This apparently would basically create a revenue-sharing channel for indy promoters to offer content via WWE Network beyond TNA or ROH.

I’m curious if they end up changing the ability to just buy one month at a time because by offering a $4.99 price for The Big Four would be a potential financial blow for WWE as fans are already “getting away with” paying only $9.99 for the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania, even if it is limited to phones and tablets. That seems unrealistic to offer those events now for just $4.99. I suspect that changes or comes with a catch.

The commercials options make sense. Hulu is offering a higher priced tier with commercials removed, and this seems to be the way of the future.

HOW DO YOU FEEL?