8 Potential Consequences Of WWE's Rumoured Budget Cuts

2. More Paid Network Advertisements

Renee Young shock
WWE.com

While the bulk of WWE's Network content doesn't feature any paid commercials, the service isn't an advertisement-free zone by any stretch of the imagination. They're usually short and not intrusive, but ads do occasionally pop up before and after certain shows every now and then.

Given WWE's fondness for cramming Raw and SmackDown with as much co-promotion, product placement, and lengthy ad breaks as possible, this is surprising. The company take pride in the Network's relative lack of advertisements, but they're missing out on a potentially lucrative revenue stream at the moment, and depending on how tight the purse strings get, this is something they may consider this year.

With the Network currently reaching 1.63 million paid subscribers around the world, it's easy to see why advertisers may be interested in such a deal. Fans, on the other hand, would surely balk at the prospect of their favourite Network content being stuffed with commercials. Would it be enough to bring about a significant downturn in subscription numbers? It's impossible to say, but given the way the company's financials are going, WWE may need to test these waters sooner rather than later.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. 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.