WWE Network To Air "Draft Center Live" Second Screen Experience
A perfect way to enhance July 19th's big event.
It seems as if WWE is finally starting to get the hang of this whole Network thing. Ever since the inception of the streaming service, along with the expansion of archival content - something the company has stepped up in recent months - one of the main components fans have been calling for has been a more "sports-like" presentation around the big events.
For anyone who watched the Bracketology show for the Global Cruiserweight Classic, you know that WWE can hit it out of the park when attempting something of this nature. That special, focusing on the competitors in the first-of-its-kind tournament, was produced akin to something you'd see for NCAA March Madness, and it was one of the best things to ever air on the Network.
For the draft taking place live on July 19th's SmackDown, the promotion will be taking a similar approach and treating the event like the drafts of actual sporting leagues, by presenting a show with live analysis from a panel of experts.
WWE.com revealed this about the show:
As if the WWE Draft on SmackDown Live’s Tuesday night premiere on USA Network July 19 wasn’t big enough, the WWE Universe will also be able to watch a special WWE Draft Center Live second screen experience at 8/7 C — exclusively on WWE Network — as well as a SmackDown Live Pre-Show at 7/6 C across all digital platforms.
AdvertisementWhile Superstars like Seth Rollins, John Cena, Charlotte and the rest of the roster anxiously anticipate their fate with the clock ticking toward one of the most critical nights in WWE history, the action will begin with the SmackDown Live Pre-Show, featuring expert analysis on what may unfold throughout the evening.
Then, as the WWE Universe tunes in to the WWE Draft on SmackDown Live, fans will also have the opportunity to enhance their experience with the WWE Draft Center Live, a special supplemental show airing exclusively on WWE Network during the SmackDown broadcast. The revolutionary telecast will allow the WWE Universe to get inside the Draft in a way unlike any other as the lives of Superstars change forever – exclusively for WWE Network subscribers. This unique and original experience will also continue on after the WWE Draft on USA Network concludes, giving the WWE Universe an extended look at all that the WWE Draft will have to offer. Subscribe to WWE Network today to be part of this incredible experience!
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This is a fantastic idea and if executed properly should really take the draft to the next level in terms of viewer experience. Past drafts have always been devoid of any excitement or drama beyond the first couple of picks, but with the added emphasis on presenting it as a real sport - something WWE has shied away from in the last 15 years - it gives an unexpected element to the proceedings.
It's also a great bit of advertising for the Network that may entice those who still haven't chosen to subscribe to finally give the service a shot, which should always be the goal from a business standpoint.
Well done, WWE.