10 WWE Firsts We'll See In 2017
9. Independent Wrestling On The WWE Network
A couple of months back news broke on WWE being interested in changing the way people pay for the WWE Network, introducing a tier-based system starting at $4.99 and going all the way up to $14.99. That highest tier would almost certainly be the most popular amongst hardcore wrestling fans, as it promised to include non-WWE content from top independent promotions.
Ring of Honor and TNA were touted as being a part of the deal, but both of those promotions seem to be moving in a different direction. Even so it would be no surprise to see WWE add independent wrestling content to the Network in 2017, in the hope of improving links to what is essentially a vibrant unofficial developmental system for them.
Maybe we will see British promotions added to the network? The idea has been extremely divisive in the wrestling world, with some seeing it as increased exposure for independent wrestling whilst others see it as Vince McMahon wanting to destroy any and all competition. Whichever side of that fence you stand on, 2017 will see further developments on the subject.