WWE Network Free Trials May Return For Big Events

The Network's "first month free" policy was scrapped yesterday.

WWE Network Vince McMahon
WWE

Yesterday brought a disappointing PWInsider report on the WWE Network, stating that the promotion was no longer offering a free first month to new subscribers, though it now looks like the scheme may return for certain events.

This is according to a new report from Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer. He states that while the 30-day period has been scrapped for now, WWE may consider bringing it back into play for certain high-traffic shows like the Royal Rumble, the road to WrestleMania, and 'The Show Of Shows' itself, presumably to boost subscription numbers for the relevant quarterly reports.

Last week saw WWE introduce a new, feature-packed free Network tier. A huge upgrade from the previous offer, it advertises over 15,000 different titles including Raw and SmackDown episodes, a selection of old pay-per-views and NXT TakeOvers, the returning Raw Talk show, documentaries, and more.

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That free tier is the new marketing tool WWE is using to try and convince consumers into taking a paid subscription. It'll be interesting to see what kind of impact it has in that regard, though it'll be several months until the next set of financial reports comes out.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. 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.