From Cable TV to Streaming Services: The Evolution of WWE Broadcasting

Being a die-hard wrestling fan, I still remember the upsetting moment when Brock Lesnar pinned The Undertaker at WrestleMania XXX in 2014, breaking his 21-0 streak at the event.

Fortunately, a few months earlier, there was some good news: WWE had announced the launch of “WWE Network. It was on an Over-The-Top (OTT) platform that offered Pay-Per-Views (PPVs), on-demand content, and much more.

There, I saw the Undertaker and Brock Lesnar setting aside their differences after the match, and honestly, it soothed my heart a little. It wouldn’t be possible without WWE Network. It allowed fans to cut their cords and offered behind-the-scenes (BTS) footage to experience an unfiltered version of their favorite superstars.

WWE Network was a revolutionary step as it engaged fans globally. Plus, WWE also got the eyeballs required to compete with other entertainment sports like All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

Here, I will explain how WWE shifted from cable TV to streaming services, and how it has impacted its popularity around the globe.

So, let’s start:

The Rise and Decline of WWE Network

Before fans could watch WWE on streaming platforms like Netflix, they had to rely on cable TV and PPVs. Besides being bound to sit in front of their TV screens, fans had to tune in at a specific time to watch their favorite superstars.

The digitalization of WWE started with the introduction of WWE Network. With an extensive library of past matches and major events, WWE Network quickly became the fan-favorite.

In addition, WWE Network also offered original programming and live PPVs. Generally, cable TV providers usually hide such exclusive content behind paywalls and subscriptions.

However, besides engaging fans across different social media platforms, WWE Network saved them from paying enormous amounts for cable TV subscriptions. Not just this, fans could watch events and matches from anywhere and at any time.

As the WWE Network is an OTT platform, fans are only required to purchase its subscription along with a reliable internet connection to catch all the action.

It wouldn’t be wrong to say that WWE Network took the sport’s popularity to newer heights. And because of this reason, more streaming platforms with better viewership showed interest in acquiring the digital rights of WWE.

So, with the increase in popularity, WWE introduced more shows. And as the network attracted millions of eyeballs, it was a step in the right direction to partner with a bigger streaming platform. Besides a financially sound deal, WWE could get much-needed exposure to get ahead of its competition.

The Shift from WWE Network to Other Streaming Platforms

Over the years, WWE has made several deals with major streaming platforms. Besides financial benefits and opportunities to host WWE events in different countries, accessing such streaming platforms is much faster and easier than cable TV.

For instance, I stream Monday Night Raw on Netflix using high-speed Spectrum Internet service. Since I didn’t want to miss out on Smackdown and Saturday Night’s Main Event, I called Spectrum customer service, and upon inquiring further, I got to know that Spectrum offers USA Network and Peacock with their services. So, bundling my internet with cable TV through Spectrum deals allowed me to watch three main events on different streaming platforms like a breeze.

The table below mentions streaming platforms where you can watch different programs by WWE:

 Bear in mind that special events like Elimination Chamber, Hell in a Cell, WrestleMania, etc., are mostly streamed on Netflix. Also, the above WWE programs are available on the respective streaming platforms in the U.S. only.

Below, I will mention the streaming platforms for people living outside the U.S., to catch all the WWE action in their region:

•       Germany, Austria, & Switzerland: People from this region can watch RAW, Smackdown, and NXT on BILD and ProSieben MAXX. WWE Network features premium live events in this region.
•       Italy: Discover+ and DMAX stream RAW, Smackdown, and NXT. To watch the premium live events, people from this region can subscribe to WWE Network.
•       Sub-Saharan Africa: People from this region can watch WWE programs on SuperSport.
•       Japan: Residents in Japan can watch WWE events on ABEMA.
•       Rest of the World: For most countries in the world, Netflix is the number one platform to watch WWE programs like RAW, Smackdown, NXT, or special events such as WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, and Hell in a Cell, to name a few.

How Streaming Platforms Have Changed the Wrestling Landscape

The partnership between WWE and streaming platforms is already bearing fruit. A report by Netflix shows that last year was a big success for the WWE.

Topping the charts was Royal Rumble, which garnered over 3.2 million views. In second place was WrestleMania 42, which pulled around 2.7 million viewers. Besides these two premium live events, no other event amassed more than 2 million viewers individually.

These numbers highlight the increasing interest of viewers in WWE from all over the world. By digitalizing sports and making it accessible on streaming platforms, WWE has made it easier for fans to watch their favorite wrestlers rumble inside the ring.

Also, on a side note, streaming platforms have massively contributed to wrestlers’ popularity. From Instagram to X and Hollywood, such exposure from streaming platforms allows wrestlers to explore different opportunities after retirement.

WWE and Streaming Platforms – A Match Made in Heaven

It wouldn’t be wrong to say that WWE and streaming platforms are a match made in heaven. As WWE is a competitive entertainment sports company and requires massive viewership, streaming platforms are an ideal medium to stream it around the world.

Also, before I conclude, it’s also a fact that wrestlers like CM Punk, Randy Orton, Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Steve Austin, and many more have gathered a loyal fanbase for WWE. Such fans cheer for their favorite wrestlers and religiously follow WWE from one platform to another.