Big WWE Network Changes: 10 Things You Need To Know
9. The Free Model
The free model of the WWE Network is, as one would expect, very truncated in terms of what it offers to fans. Nevertheless, it is free, and it seems to be a great deal for what, at one point, would have constituted the entirety of a "wrestling channel."
Fans subscribing to the free model will have access to the main network stream that plays 24/7. While the stream can often be redundant during the course of a day or a week, that still means access to whichever old PPVs WWE decides to air, network originals, and first-run shows like Superstars and Main Event. Free subscribers will also have access to video clips and five hours of on-demand archived footage per month.
In order to turn a profit for this model, WWE will be expanding the level of commercials broadcast on this tier. Additionally, PPV events, NXT, and the returning Cruiserweight Classic will not be part of the free live stream.
From a marketing standpoint, the free model seems like a great idea - there's no reason for fans not to give it a try, and once they do, maybe they'll like it and upgrade.