Are WWE shows heading to Netflix a great business idea?

WWE may move to Netflix if the deal is right. WWE is a wrestling company that has been a sports entertainment business since they moved into the PG rating mode.

The company has scripted shows just like any other scripted show. Every move is pre-planned, and the matches go like any show, with fans sometimes getting bored of it.

A regime change has helped the product and the rating testament for it. Fans enjoy this new presentation where everyone gets a chance.

The word on the grapevine stated that the company might move its flagship shows Raw and SmackDown to Netflix. While there is no confirmation yet, the wrestling rumor experts have started speculating about it.

Will the WWE move to Netflix?

The big question is, how did it all start? Let’s take you to the beginning of this situation to understand things better.

WWE hosted its second-quarter earnings call with Chairwoman and Co-CEO Stephanie McMahon, Co-CEO Nick Khan, Head of Creative Paul “Triple H” Levesque and Chief Financial Officer Frank Riddick. Nick Khan discussed the possibility of potential airing right owners after the current contracts of Raw and SmackDown with NBCUniversal and FOX ends in 2024, respectively.

The Co-CEO talked about how Netflix could be a potential bidder as the streaming platform plans to shift focus to live streaming.

This rumor does the rounds with Netflix bidding for Formula 1. WWE has live streaming shows, and it would be an exceptional opportunity for the streaming platform to increase its revenue through the ad tier. According to an myKhel article on the subject, Nick said:

"“We believe Netflix’s appetite for live (programming) will only increase after the introduction of their ad tier. As we all know, the strongest CPMs are those sold against live programming.”"

He also announced how other competitors would also place bids to get the rights. Is this a good move?

WWE has faced issues due to Vince’s hush money scandal and needs something to make them profitable. The introduction of new bidders is an excellent idea for the business.

It impacts the audience, who now has to buy an exclusive subscription to watch the programs. The live presentation of the programs on cable TV was accessible to all and helped them prove their value to their nemesis.

It also helped people who didn’t have a paid subscription to Peacock TV, where WWE Network moved after the former acquired the streaming rights for the company’s programs. WWE Network has tons of content for the WWE Universe.

If WWE wants to bring in a new partner to the mix, Peacock TV should be their preferred choice. In reality, the company shouldn’t move to another streaming platform because it impacts their rating factor, which has been the merit of judging the product.

It would reduce the competitive spirit and prove futile as the fans would turn on the product, thereby making it not a ‘Best for Business’ idea.

What do you think of this possibility? Chime in your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!