WWE Network Debuts Streaming Video Channel

LAS VEGAS -- Worried that pay TV providers will limit new cable network growth in the coming years, WWE Network has launched an Internet streaming video channel.

The new 24/7 network will start Monday, Feb. 24 and will feature WWE live pay-per-view events, including “Wrestlemania.” Price for consumers comes to $9.99 a month for a six-month agreement.

WWE Network will also run original programming, reality shows, documentaries, classic matches and more than 1,500 hours of video-on-demand at launch.

At a press conference at the Consumer Electronics Show, WWE Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer Michelle Wilson worried about future traditional cable network growth among traditional pay TV providers -- cable, satellite providers and telcos.

“None of those distributors were particularly looking to launch more networks; if anything they were looking to rationalize their lineups,” she said.

“When we started to look at the economic tradeoffs and how quickly we could go over the top as compared to traditional distribution, it became apparent that we could give our fans a much better user experience with an over-the-top service.”

WWE’s traditional cable network shows, such as USA Network’s “WWE Monday Night Raw” and Syfy’s “SmackDown,” will not move to the WWE Network

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