Lots of news out of this story, as 411 got a hold of a survey regarding the upcoming WWE channel. The survey asked potential cable customers their thoughts on a possible WWE channel, with details on how it would work. It answers quite a few important questions regarding content and cost:
- The channel is likely 24 hours, not on demand.
- The channel might have “repeats” of Raw and Smackdown, which likely means USA and Syfy will still be the place to go to see first-run episodes.
- There may be two new weekly in-ring shows (my guess is repackaged versions of Superstars and NXT)
- There will be a wrestling news show, like Sportscenter (no mention of a talk show, like Tuesday Night Titans)
- The cost of the channel might be between $7-12 per month, paid through a standard cable bill (much like most other “extra” channels). That cost would also cover a bunch of other premium network channels like Fox Business and Fuel.
- The biggest news out of the survey is that the big 4 PPVs—Wrestlemania, Summerslam, Survivor Series, and the Royal Rumble—would be free to subscribers. It’s not clear if the events would be live or, much more likely, a tuesday-night repeat.
The detailed wording is really interesting. The survey promises that “Rather than having to pay for [the big 4], they would now be specials with the same match quality you’re used to seeing on PPV,” as if people may see a “free” Survivor Series and think “Well, I guess it’s just shitty now.”