Content from independent wrestling promotions may be making its way to the WWE Network soon.
On a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that Vince McMahon wants to add content from some "hot indies" to the WWE's on-demand streaming service.
Earlier this year, WWE released a fan survey that addressed, among other things, potential pricing tiers for the Network in the future that would include content from non-WWE promotions in the highest tier. A second survey this fall asked fans which of the following promotions they watch: PWG, CHIKARA, EVOLVE, Dragon Gate USA, OVW, AAW, CZW, SHIMMER, SCW, ROH and FIP.
Meltzer said that he foresaw WWE making overtures to ally with other independent promotions in the next few months, perhaps forging working agreements similar to the one WWE currently has with EVOLVE and the WWN Live family of promotions. That working agreement has seen several EVOLVE wrestlers appear in the WWE Cruiserweight Classic while continuing to work for WWN Live events. Several WWE talent also have appeared at WWN Live events, such as William Regal, Sami Zayn, and the American Alpha tag team. And last month, after injury kept Drew Galloway off an EVOLVE doubleheader, WWE approved sending newly signed developmental prospect Tommy End to replace Galloway on those cards. End appeared in a non-televised dark match at each of those events.
No word yet on how EVOLVE's current working relationship with the new FloSlam streaming service might affect things. FloSlam, which launched in October, currently airs events from EVOLVE and all the other promotions under the WWN Live umbrella. EVOLVE also has aired PWX and Beyond Wrestling events, and recently announced it would start broadcasting events from Tommy Dreamer's House of Hardcore promotion as well.
