10 Controversies Of The WWE Network

8. Going Over-The-Top Will Leave Some Out In The Cold

The WWE Network will be distributed "over-the-top" (that is, as an internet-based subscription and not a premium channel available through a cable or satellite operator) similar to Hulu or Netflix. It's a bold move, and may represent some really forward-thinking on their part about the future of media consumption. However, it's hardly a sure thing. By WWE's own estimates, more than half of WWE fans are over the age of 35, a demographic that skews the lowest in terms of embracing streaming technology. Netflix streaming adoption is 18 to 24% for older Americans. In that same group 76% to 82% with TV service (Cable or Satellite). WWE is asking a lot of older fans to try something very new. One common misconception from fans, particularly older fans, is that "over-the-top" WWE Network equals just watching wrestling on your computer screen. And to many people, that sounds awful. WWE needs to spend more time educating this fan-base about alternate viewing methods and various simple technology solutions. WWE is trying hard to roll out the WWE Network on a wide variety of platforms including iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Android devices, Playstation 3, Playstation 4, XBox360, Roku Streaming Devices and Amazon Kindle Fire HD, with more devices expected in the future (including more Smart TVs, Internet-connected BluRay players, Apple TV and XBox One). Tech-savvy consumers hook up simple HDMI cables or use a ChromeCast to send the signal from an internet-connected device to their television screen. One format conspicuous in its absence is the Wii console. While this may seem like a minor point, consider how important it was for Netflix. A 2013 Nielsen survey released about how people watch over-the-top streaming content noted that more than a fifth of customers were watching Netflix streaming via the Wii. That was essentially tied with mobile devices, the second-highest platform that people used. The most common? Directly on a computer. Furthermore, being able to access the WWE Network will be completely dependent on your internet provider. No broadband? Out of luck. Live in a rural area with lousy access? Out of luck. Have a low-tier internet plan? You may run into data caps or other aspects of throttling. This will be especially significant in when WWE Network tries to launch in Canada - a country that was described by Netflix chief content officer as, "Third world access to the Internet". Limits on how much monthly data (or how fast) customers can receive internet access could completely derail the viability of the WWE Network for some customers.