News broke yesterday, via an official post on WWE.com, that the United Kingdom launch of the WWE Network has been delayed indefinitely. Originally, the Network was set to debut today -- October 1st. However, the debut was delayed due to ongoing discussions with potential partners. At the time of writing yesterday, it was not entirely clear what was meant by that statement. Now, PWInsider is providing some further details on the situation, which help clarify things a bit. Unlike the over-the-top online experience provided to fans in the United States, WWE is looking to make the WWE Network an actual television channel in the UK. This would be similar to the strategy used in the Canadian launch of the Network -- although, hopefully, better. Canadas version of the WWE Network is available exclusively through Rogers Communication. At the time of launch, the Network provided very few on-demand options and it was generally derided as being a poor rollout for the service. As such, many Canadian fans have apparently opted to use the States version of the Network by registering with a false American address -- however, it should be made clear that Canadians using the US version of the Network are paying for it. While the WWE has promised an announcement by November 1st, there is still no official launch date set. Instead, it seems that the company is pursuing some other available options, in the hopes of providing UK fans with an actual WWE channel. Whether this new scheme comes to fruition or not will likely affect the forthcoming UK debut of the Network. So, let us know your thoughts UK fans. Do you want to see the WWE Network available through traditional means through a cable provider, or would you prefer the American over-the-top service?
Douglas Scarpa is a freelance writer, independent filmmaker, art school graduate, and pro wrestling aficionado -- all of which mean he is in financial ruin. He has no backup plan to speak of, yet maintains his abnormally high spirits. If he had only listened to the scorn of his childhood teachers, he wouldn't be in this situation.
