DirecTV is reportedly unhappy with WWE's plans to launch their online network from February and is considering a rethink with regards to their relationship and whether it will continue to offer monthly pay-per-view events.
WWE has said it will continue to broadcast PPV with cable and satellite operators but with the launch of their online network it will seriously decrease the traditional buyrate which DirecTV reports is declining anyway.
"Clearly we need to quickly re-evaluate the economics and viability of their business with us, as it now appears the WWE feels they do not need their PPV distributors," DirecTV said in a statement, adding that the audience for its events "has been steadily declining, and this new low-cost competitive offering will only accelerate this trend."
In an interview Wednesday, WWE Corp. Chairman Vince McMahon said he thought it was in the interest of the pay-TV operators to continue to carry the pay-per-view events.
"I think it’d be foolish for them not to want to carry the pay-per-view anymore," McMahon said. "It’s found money for them."
A WWE spokesman said in response to DirecTV's statement that, "to the contrary, WWE hopes to continue to be in business with our pay-per-view distributors, ultimately giving our fans the choice between the two offerings."
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January 10, 2014
DirecTV To Sever Ties With WWE Over Network Concerns?
January 9, 2014
Rumor Mill - WWE's Future Plans For Annual Old School Raw
The word going around is that WWE will host their Old School Raw event every January to go against the BCS title game. Old School Raw seems to do decent ratings for WWE, hence the reason why they want to use it against stiffer competition.
WWE Films Documentary About William Regal
Legendary WWE Superstar and current NXT trainer William Regal Tweeted the following:
"Great news about the #WWENetwork.I filmed the other day for a documentary about me and the evolution of my character from "Lord"till now."
No word yet on if this documentary will be available on DVD or if it will be exclusive to the WWE Network.
Triple H Makes Big Announcement Regarding WWE NXT TV at Tonight’s Tapings
Triple H announced that along with NXT being added to the WWE Network, the February 27th show will air live from Full Sail University in Winter Park, FL.
January 8, 2014
Mae Young Taken Off Life Support
From Mike Mooneyham's Twitter account:
Sad news to report. Received word tonight that MaeYoung has been taken off life support. Prayers for this grand lady of wrestling.
WWE Network launches February 24, 2014
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.
Get a sneak peek of WWE Network here! | Visit WWE.com/WWENetwork
“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.” Click here for the full announcement.
Kaitlyn no longer under contract with WWE
From WWE.com:
As of Jan. 8, Kaitlyn (Celeste Bonin) will no longer be under contract with WWE. The former Divas Champion has chosen to pursue other endeavors outside the sports-entertainment world.
WWE wishes Kaitlyn the best in all her future endeavors.
January 7, 2014
Update On Ryback/Dolph Ziggler Situation, Ziggler's Concussion
As previously reported, Dolph Ziggler has suffered a severe concussion after taking a stiff clothesline from Ryback during last night's tapings of Superstars. Ziggler is reportedly going to go see a neuropsychologist in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania later this week to get further evaluated. It's being reported that Ziggler having to go all the way to Pittsburgh to see this neuropsychologist is not a good sign, especially considering that Ziggler has a well-documented history of concussions.
Ryback has reportedly taken full responsibility for the accident. Ryback has been criticized before for not being very safe to work with.
Dolph Ziggler suffers concussion on 'WWE Superstars' taping
WWE reports that Dolph Ziggler suffered a concussion at Monday night's Superstars tapings from Baltimore in a match against Ryback.
"Unfortunately Dolph sustained a concussion during his match on the clothesline given to him by Ryback," said WWE physician Dr. Chris Amann. "We were able to evaluate him in the ring; he was having some confusion and disorientation. We took him back to the training room and confirmed a concussion. He's currently feeling better but we'll proceed with ImPACT testing and further evaluation to determine when we can get him back in the ring."
This Day in Wrestling History - "Just In Case You Forgot Who The Hell I Am..."
After a grueling eight-month rehab from a torn quadrciceps muscle, Triple H made a triumphant return at Madison Square Garden.
January 7, 2002
Five years later he would tear the right quad muscle during the New Year's Revolution pay per view.
January 7, 2007
