This weekend's WWE Pay Per View will not be carried by DISH Network. The distributor has rejected the Elimination Chamber due to concerns over how they will make money once the WWE Network launches next week offering events for $9.99 a month. A statement from DISH directly addresses this, voicing their concerns that WWE won't readjust their PPV costs given that the events will now be much cheaper elsewhere. Another distributor, DirecTV, is also concerned. There isn't much WWE can do about this. The company has released a statement expressing disappointment that DISH will not offer customers a traditional outlet for consuming WWE products, but deep down, Vince McMahon must have expected this kind of reaction. How are DISH expected to react when their WWE offerings are so severely undercut by the WWE Network? While other distributors will offer the Elimination Chamber, DISH's decision could be seen as a sign of things to come for the WWE. DirecTV and other providers could follow suit when the Network fully kicks in and viewers choose $9.99 subscription viewership over $50 box office viewings. The lines of dispute between WWE and the Pay per view providers have been drawn and there looks to be no going back. The WWE monthly events are now perceived at the value of $9.99. The future of pay per view is looking bleak, and could be dead within the year. The success of the Network is an absolute must given these circumstances. Meanwhile, WWE have this to say about the matter - "WWE is pleased that the majority of our cable and satellite Pay-Per-View distributors are giving our fans an option to purchase traditional Pay-Per-Views as we prepare to launch WWE Network on Monday, February 24. Unfortunately, DISH will not be doing so. We hope DISH will reconsider for this Sunday's Elimination Chamber Pay-Per-View event and especially for WrestleMania 30." While DISH's response in full is - "DISH will not offer the 'WWE Elimination Chamber' PPV on 2/23. WWE is not willing to adjust their PPV costs to satellite and cable companies, which is unfair to their customers. We need to re-focus our efforts to support partners that better serve DISH customers. Other satellite and cable companies, including DIRECTV, have also expressed they may no longer provide WWE PPV events in the future."
