WWE Still Planning UK Network Show By The End Of 2017

Details are scarce, but a British brand may still be on the cards.

Tyler Bate
WWE.com

WWE's long-delayed UK Network show is still very much in the company's plans, according to this week's Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

The write-up states that while there's no guarantee that it'll actually come to fruition, WWE intend on starting the show by the end of the year. The original idea was to start taping in June, but almost three months have passed since then, and the company still haven't announced a start date.

While January's UK Championship Tournament was a major critical success, the report says that it was a "big money loser" for the company, despite them selling out Blackpool's Empress Ballroom for two consecutive nights. Thus, WWE have a lot of things to work out to ensure that future shows are profitable.

Advertisement

Fans could have been forgiven for thinking WWE had forgotten about the British project, given its recent lack of attention. The last UK-branded shows were held in Norwich back in May, and while the likes of Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate have continued appearing on company programming, they haven't exactly had a strong televised presence.

It was rumoured earlier this month that WWE had abandoned their UK plans entirely, but this appears to be inaccurate.

Advertisement
Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.