So I'm not really understanding this..
Is the WWE getting rid of its PPV structure completely? I don't get how its viable to keep it afloat especially with the WWE network around. The only ones who even order those shitty PPVs are the hardcore wrestling fans and I'm guessing 99% of them will get on the stream.
I'm not sure about how the PPV structure is designed, but from what I understand: if you subscribe to the WWE Network you get
everything including PPVs new and old.
Regarding financial viability: unlike with the UFC, the WWE has more than 2 ways to make money:
Top Revenue Sources - Q3-2013
(1) TV Rights - $44.1 million
(2) Live Events - $25.0 million
(3) PPV Revenue - $14.6 million
(4t) WWE.com - $5.7 million
(4t) Licensing - $5.7 million
(6) DVD Sales - $5.2 million
(7) Venue Merch - $4.0 million
(8) WWE Shop - $2.9 million
(9) WWE Studios - $1.8 million
(10) Magazines - $1.5 million
I doubt that their existing TV deals are going to be aversely affected by the WWE Network. But the main point here is that with over 800,000 subscribers (the stated "break even" point) one quarter of the WWE Network could effectively pull in over $20 million.
Ariel is right though. Their PPVs are nothing more than glorified RAWs so it makes sense at this point along with their dwindling PPV #s. But I'm hoping UFC follows suit and cuts down their # of PPVs for each year. Would be more than glad to have the entire Pride/UFC library along with PPVs for up to $30/month.
If WWE PPVs are simply glorified RAWs, then what the hell does that make UFC ones? Their fight nights are two steps above ProElite right now.
And the ball is definitely in the UFC's court with the pricing and content of the Fight Pass. Vince McMahon has well and truly set the standard of inclusive fight networks. The era of PPVs for sporting organisations is coming to an end.
Personally I'd pay $20-30 no questions asked for high-quality, unrestricted access to the UFC's live PPVs & events and historical fights. But like I remember Dana telling Ariel a while back, the UFC are "not an internet company."