Report: WWE Network Set To Add Independent Wrestling Content ‘Very Soon’

Independent Wrestling Content Headed To WWE Network

WWE is expected to be adding content from independent wrestling promotions on its WWE Network streaming service very soon.

According to Mike Johnson of PWInsider Elite (subscription required), WWE is looking to add 3-5 independent promotions to the WWE Network.

I was told that there has been movement in the last several days, and we should expect some independent wrestling on the WWE Network very soon.

WWE recently purchased EVOLVE Wrestling, which has an extensive tape library. It’s unknown if that promotion’s content will be included in the up-coming lineup of independent wrestling shows. WWE has relationships with overseas promotions such as WXW, ICW, and PROGRESS Wrestling.

When asked, the source could not disclose if full events, or select matches were set to be added.

WWE Tiered Network Update

WWE had plans to add different tiers to its WWE Network service, including a Free, Regular and Premium tier.

According to the report, a WWE source indicated they are not sure if there is still plans to move forward with a premium tier.

Pricing for the tiered service was going to include free version, $9.99 regular version, and $14.99 premium version.

Last year, former WWE Co-President George Barrios spoke with The Verge, and outlined updated subscription plans the company planned to roll out in 2020.

• Free: This will offer the same free-to-watch videos you’d normally find on WWE.com. Barrios said WWE might also offer timed previews of paid WWE Network content.
• Regular: The standard WWE Network experience, combining free content with subscription benefits like live pay-per-views, on-demand streaming, and original programming.
• Premium: “We think there’s also an opportunity to super-serve our most passionate Network subscribers with a premium tier that’ll bring together more content for them, more features for them, and also integrating some of our other non-video services like our commerce — potentially integrating something like free shipping, bringing together our digital ticketing efforts in there. It becomes the one place to experience everything WWE.” 

WWE recently introduced a free version of the WWE Network, which includes 10,000 hours of content with no credit card required.

If you plan to use any of the content in this article, please credit PWInsider for the report and h/t HeelByNature.com for the transcription.