Message boards and fan sites were surveyed, hinting at a new tiered structure of content and price. These were added credence by a report from the highly informed Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio.
Currently, the WWE Network costs $9.99 [Dh37] for users and is also shown on OSN to UAE subscribers.
However, with the rumoured purchase of the TNA library increasing this past week it looks like the WWE is canvassing opinion ahead of a restructuring.
It seems that this would fall under the highest tier of four price structures, according to the survey.
The first tier would be free and be similar to the WWE’s current YouTube channel that gives access to short video clips and a limited number of hours from the WWE’s archive.
The next step up would cost tablet and smart phone users $4.99 [Dh18] to gain access to the four main pay-per-views, while the third tier would remain at $9.99 and offer a similar service as the current flat rate package.
Where it gets interesting is at the $14.99 [Dh55] range, which offers all of the above plus exclusive extras and “independent wrestling content”, which many believe is a nod to the TNA discussions and rumours that the Ring of Honor library may also be purchased.
It would be some coup for WWE and add to the diverse range of content it already boasts, from archived WWE and WCW pay-per-views to exclusive comedies, reality shows and live shows.
Wrestlezone.com gives a full breakdown of the four tiers:
FREE: Access to short video clips, access to the 24/7 live stream excluding WWE PPV, NXT and the Cruiserweight Classic, and up to five hours per month from the video archive. This tier includes full commercials.
$4.99: For tablets and smart phones only. Complete access to the 24/7 live stream, the “Big Four” pay-per-views, pre-recorded NXT episodes, with limited commercials.
$9.99: Essentially the same package as current subscribers already have. The only major difference is this tier may feature a weekly version of the Cruiserweight Classic and live episodes of NXT.
$14.99: Everything in the previous tiers, plus access to exclusive fan perks, Hall of Fame fan voting, and “independent wrestling content”. This tier would have no commercials.