SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...
WWE has sent a survey to members of their Fan Council email list asking which “plan” would best suit their preferences. It includes:
-Watching all video clips, less than five minutes each
-Watch live pay-per-view events
-Watch NXT Takeover events
-Watch new weekly NXT TV shows
-Watch new Cruiserweight Classic matches
-Access to all video archives including live event 30 days after their premiered live
-Access to 24/7 stream, minus PPVs, NXT, and CWC.
-Access to independent wrestling content including TNA and ROH.
-A mix of commercial options – full, limited, or none.
-A choice between access on phone & tablets only, or also TV streaming devices and smart TVs.
-Fan perks such as Hall of Fame voting, off-line downloads, early ticket access, VIP meet-ups
Keller’s Analysis: It’s long been believed, and not denied by WWE, that eventual consideration would be given to a tiered pricing plan. The most interesting option is the inclusion of TNA and ROH as an option they’re considering, which would mean either buying TNA and/or ROH or more perhaps offering them a route to earn some revenue from their shows by offering them a distribution model for their content. This apparently would basically create a revenue-sharing channel for indy promoters to offer content via WWE Network beyond TNA or ROH.
I’m curious if they end up changing the ability to just buy one month at a time because by offering a $4.99 price for The Big Four would be a potential financial blow for WWE as fans are already “getting away with” paying only $9.99 for the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania, even if it is limited to phones and tablets. That seems unrealistic to offer those events now for just $4.99. I suspect that changes or comes with a catch.
The commercials options make sense. Hulu is offering a higher priced tier with commercials removed, and this seems to be the way of the future.
I’m quite impressed that their plan for the “premium” package is actually an improvement on the current product. Most streaming services just make you pay more but don’t give you anything extra.