WWE Network may undergo changes with tiered pricing options – details on four tiers (w/Keller’s Analysis)
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PWTorch editor Wade Keller presents a special Thursday Flagship edition of the Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Podcast featuring a WrestleMania 36 Preview with ex-WWE Creative Team member and professional stand-up comedian Matt McCarthy.
(Search “wade keller” to subscribe in podcast app or CLICK HERE to subscribe in Apple Podcasts.)
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?