WWE Network Ending?

"Strategic alternative"?

by Michael Sidgwick
WWE Network
WWE.com

WWE has just released its full 2019 financial report, and an early scan yields an interesting statement on the future of the WWE Network. Under the Full Year 2020 Business Outlook section, the following is written:

"The Company is pursuing several strategic initiatives that could increase the monetization of its content in 2020 and/ or subsequent years. These include distribution of content in the Middle East and India as well as the evaluation of strategic alternatives for the Company’s direct-to-consumer service, WWE Network."

Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics - the preeminent analyst of WWE's financials - has described the wording here as "curious".

Following the shock firings of George Barrios and Michelle Wilson, Mike Johnson of PWInsider alluded to "irreconcilable differences" between the two former Co-Presidents and Vince McMahon. It is believed that Barrios and Wilson were the key proponents behind the launch of the WWE Network, the subscriber count for which has fallen, again, in 2019. The company's growth in 2019 was "partially offset" by "a decline in WWE Network subscription revenue," according to the results. 10% down to 1.42 million is the latest figure.

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What follows is pure speculation, but it's not beyond the realms of possibility that this was grounds behind the recent change in management. There is no further detail - you'd suspect this will be flagged on the imminent conference call - but "strategic alternative" doesn't read much like an extra $/£5 for EVOLVE and PROGRESS...

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Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!