During Raw tonight, WWE ran a commercial promoting the WWE Network, which will debut in 2012. The commercial promoted that the network will be the home of "all things WWE," including PPV's, shows, classic footage and more.
t appears WWE will be pushing the Network debut back until the Fall of 2012, according to a report by PWInsider.com. WWE had been targeting April 1st, the same day as WrestleMania 28, as the launch date.
It is believed that WWE won't have the the complete infrastructure prepared and that a launch on WrestleMania day would be a devastating risk to the Network's success.
Despite the delay, projects that were being produced such as the "Legend's House" reality show will still go on to be produced as planned.
I can't find the thread we had for this for some reason, if someone finds it let me know and I'll merge them. Either way, I'll sticky this for a while as news keeps coming in.WWE Announced New Cable Network (https://forums.wrestlingfusion.com/index.php?topic=6171.0)
I agree, there is no need to rush it and launching it on the same day as WrestleMania does sound risky since they would need the focus to be on WrestleMania to make it the best they can be. The delay should mean that they can make the WWE Network the best it can be too.Quotet appears WWE will be pushing the Network debut back until the Fall of 2012, according to a report by PWInsider.com. WWE had been targeting April 1st, the same day as WrestleMania 28, as the launch date.
It is believed that WWE won't have the the complete infrastructure prepared and that a launch on WrestleMania day would be a devastating risk to the Network's success.
Despite the delay, projects that were being produced such as the "Legend's House" reality show will still go on to be produced as planned.
Makes sense, let them take their time.
One of the new shows being developed for the upcoming WWE Network will exclusively feature Cruiserweight wrestlers, according to a report by pwinsider.com.
WWE has been scouring the independent scene looking for talents weighting around 200 pounds that will be featured on the new show.
We reported several weeks ago that WWE held a pilot TV taping at Florida’s Sunlife University back in December for an undisclosed project. WWE reportedly love the feel of the building and is looking to film the new cruiserweight show there.
As of this week, the plan is still for WWE to launch the Network this fall.wrestlenewz.com
It won't matter if these ''cruiserweights'' never get on Raw and Smackdown consistently though..
“There will be a WWE network in some shape or form. We are in late-stage negotiations with distributors,” said Michelle Wilson, chief marketing officer at WWE. “Getting a distribution agreement for a cable network is not easy.”
She said the situation is far better than the one presented by the New York Post, which reported earlier this month the company is behind schedule in its plans to launch the network on April 1, timed to coincide with Wrestlemania XXVIII in Miami.
There never was a deadline, according to Wilson, who said the company is hiring staff to operate the network.
“We’ve filled 30 positions so far specifically for the network. They come with cable experience at ESPN, Viacom, Discovery and Warner Brothers TV,” said Wilson, who anticipates that up to 120 new employees will eventually be hired for the new network.
- Word is that DirecTV has no interest in carrying the WWE Network, which would knock about 30% of its potential revenue off. There's been talk that very few cable carriers are committing to paying a per subscriber rate for WWE's Network, which is what the company was counting on for profitability. The alternative is to be like HBO or Showtime and charge a subscription fee directly to consumers.
There's still no official word on when the Network will launch but they cut a new commercial for it this past week that should begin airing soon.
WZ has learned today that plans for the WWE Network have been put on hold indefinitely. At this point, the network hasn't a single deal signed with cable providers, and while WWE was considering making the network a pay channel, similar to HBO, internal studies have shown less than 100,000 homes would be willing to pay a monthly fee.
Additionally, WZ has learned through sources close to the head of the HR department and the VP of programming, that all hiring for the network has been frozen. In fact, we have been told any new hires that have been made for the network are in jeopardy of being terminated.
Initially, the launch was pushed to November 12th of this year, then to February of 2013, but as of this writing the network is not going forward at all. We've been told WWE failed to realize what a big onset and investment the network would be, and NBC Universal was going to sell WWE part of its Universal HD channel, but WWE balked and wanted its own network.
Now, with no infrastructure set up at all, we've been told a network would be virtually impossible to create in 6-12 months.
- PWInsider reports that there is no truth to the reports that came out this week stating WWE has put all plans and operations for the WWE Network on hold. Plans are proceeding for the network.
Apparently there have also been rumors that WWE may be producing content for the new NBC Sports network, formerly known as The Versus Channel. While this isn't outside of the realm of possibility because of WWE's relationship with NBC Universal, word is that there have been no discussions at all regarding WWE producing programming for NBC Sports.
STAMFORD, Conn. — WWE Network, the first-ever 24/7 streaming network, will launch live in the U.S. on Monday, February 24, featuring all 12 WWE live pay-per-view events – including WrestleMania – valued at more than $600 per year for $9.99 per month with a 6-month commitment. WWE Network will also include groundbreaking original programming, reality shows, documentaries, classic matches and more than 1,500 hours of video on demand at launch.
Fans can subscribe to WWE Network beginning at 9:00 a.m. ET on Monday, February 24, at WWE.com, and for a limited time will be offered a free one week trial. WWE Network, the first 24/7 network delivered directly to fans through over-the-top digital distribution, will be available on desktops and laptops via WWE.com. WWE Network will also be available through the WWE App on: Amazon’s Kindle Fire devices; Android devices such as Samsung Galaxy; iOS devices such as Apple iPad and iPhone; Roku streaming devices; Sony PlayStation 3 and Sony PlayStation 4; and Xbox 360. Availability on additional devices, including Xbox One and select Smart TVs, will follow this summer.
“Today is a historic day for WWE as we transform and reimagine how we deliver our premium live content and 24/7 programming directly to our fans around the world,” said Vince McMahon, WWE Chairman & Chief Executive Officer. “WWE Network will provide transformative growth for our company and unprecedented value for our fans.”
WWE Network will also offer fans a revolutionary second screen experience for all original programming and live events via the WWE App, similar to the interactive fan experience currently available for flagship TV programs Raw and SmackDown.
WWE collaborated with MLB Advanced Media (MLBAM) to build a powerful solution for delivering 24/7 WWE content to fans. MLBAM will provide its industry-leading technology services, including video streaming infrastructure, application development and operational support for reliable cross-platform distribution.
MLBAM has been at the forefront of streaming technology for more than a decade, powering its own live video subscription product since 2002. Last year, MLBAM managed live video content for more than 25,000 events, covering 80,000 hours of broadcast programming, across its sports and entertainment partners.
“We applaud WWE for this bold, timely and strategic move to fully optimize the power and potential of live entertainment,” said Bob Bowman, President and CEO, MLBAM. “We are proud to work with WWE to help provide its millions of loyal fans with unencumbered access to distinctive and engaging live content across the devices they use most.”
WWE Network is scheduled to launch in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong and the Nordics by the end of 2014/early 2015.
Programming Highlights
WWE Network will officially launch with the live Monday Night Raw Post-Show on Monday, February 24, at 11:06 p.m. ET, and fans will instantly have access to the most comprehensive WWE video-on-demand library upon signing up. In addition to live Raw and SmackDown pre- and post-shows every week, new programming including a live studio show and additional on-demand content will be added in the future.
At launch, WWE Network will include:
All 12 Live Pay-Per-View Events
- All 12 current WWE pay-per-view events – including WrestleMania – will be available to subscribers live, as well as on demand.
Original Programming
- Live pay-per-view 30 minute pre- and post-shows.
Every Monday and Friday night, WWE Network will air 30 minute pre- and post-shows for WWE’s weekly cable programs Monday Night Raw and Friday Night SmackDown.
(https://i.imgur.com/ghImIzh.png) The Monday Night War — A series exploring the shocking real-life stories that fueled the mid-'90s rivalry between WWE and WCW. Battling for ratings dominance, WWE’s Vince McMahon and WCW’s Ted Turner engaged in a masterful game of one-upmanship, and in the process, elevated WWE Monday Night Raw and WCW Monday Nitro to all new levels of pop-culture relevance.
(https://i.imgur.com/cfo9VPt.png) WrestleMania Rewind — A comprehensive look back at the most groundbreaking matches and dramatic moments in WrestleMania history, including never-before-seen footage and in-depth interviews.
(https://i.imgur.com/sTsYrFU.png) WWE Countdown — A one-hour, groundbreaking, interactive, countdown series that puts the power squarely in viewers’ hands by giving the audience the chance to discuss and rank WWE’s most spectacular Superstars, unexpected moments, best catch phrases and more through digital polling and social media interaction.
(https://i.imgur.com/F6ik4Y3.png) Coming in April: WWE Legends House — WWE’s greatest Legends reunite for a new title – only this time, they’re competing outside of the ring. Imagine a beautiful house in the suburbs – perfectly furnished, with gorgeous landscaping, a lovely pool and quiet, respectable neighbors. WWE Superstars from the past including "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, Tony Atlas and "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan will turn the neighborhood upside down as the house staff tries their best to keep these Legends on time, on speaking terms, and out of trouble in this new reality show.
(https://i.imgur.com/4UOBnwF.png) WWE NXT — WWE Superstars and Divas of tomorrow face off every week on WWE NXT, a one-hour weekly show that features the brightest and best of WWE’s rising stars. WWE NXT showcases the Superstars and Divas from WWE’s Performance Center as well as appearances from WWE Superstars and Legends in an intimate setting. WWE NXT broadcasts from the state-of-the-art Full Sail LIVE venue on the Full Sail University campus in Orlando, Florida.
(https://i.imgur.com/LYOeeib.png) WWE Superstars — A one-hour weekly show highlighting the best of WWE Superstars and Divas in heart-pounding matches. Features highlights from all WWE programming, as well as a special glimpse at everything going on in the WWE Universe.
Video On Demand
- WWE Network will offer all WWE, WCW and ECW pay-per-views as well as classic matches uncut and uncensored, encores of Raw, SmackDown and WWE Main Event totaling more than 1,500 hours of video on demand at launch.
- All episodes of original programming on WWE Network will be available on demand immediately after they premiere, allowing viewers to watch on their schedule.
WWE has announced another free month promotion for the WWE Network, read on for details...
WWE are at it again, new subscribers get the WWE Network for free this month.
WWE are at it again, new subscribers get the WWE Network for free this month.