Latest news with #UniversalTitleMatch
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
WWE Fans React to Price Spike in Major ESPN Deal
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. New details have emerged regarding WWE's massive new streaming rights deal with ESPN, which is set to begin in 2026. Clarifications on the pricing structure for the new ESPN-based platform have ignited a massive and passionate debate among the WWE Universe on social media. Initial reports of a $29.99 monthly price point were met with concern, but new information has shed light on what that cost includes and who will have to pay it. The New Price and What It Includes A new report from Alex Sherman of CNBC has clarified the details of the new subscription model. He confirmed that the $29.99 monthly fee for the new ESPN direct-to-consumer product will include all WWE Premium Live Events, with no additional charges for major shows like WrestleMania or SummerSlam. Crucially, Sherman also reported that existing cable and satellite subscribers who receive ESPN as part of their package will likely be able to access the new WWE streaming content at no additional cost through authentication. This is similar to how the current ESPN app works. The Fan Reaction The news has been met with a wide range of reactions from WWE fans online. The initial sticker shock of the $29.99 price point, a significant increase from the current Peacock model, was a major point of discussion. INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 02: (L-R) Roman Reigns wrestles Cody Rhodes for Undisputed WWE Universal Title Match during WrestleMania Goes Hollywood at SoFi Stadium on April 02, 2023 in Inglewood, California. INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 02: (L-R) Roman Reigns wrestles Cody Rhodes for Undisputed WWE Universal Title Match during WrestleMania Goes Hollywood at SoFi Stadium on April 02, 2023 in Inglewood, news: WWE Superstar Announces Retirement Match However, the clarification that current cable subscribers may not have to pay the extra fee has been a point of relief for many, though it has also raised new questions. Overall, the move is being seen as a major shift in how fans will consume the WWE product. Remember the WWE Network? We had it so good back then. — PatrickDamnHarris (@HarrisDamn) August 6, 2025 WWE to ESPN?? Huge move — Ahmad Aziz (@pakistan_proudi) August 6, 2025 We need to get this back. — Dustin Bowen (@dbowen7) August 6, 2025 BREAKING: Crackstreams becomes the largest provider for all PLEs in the US — Thechek182 (@thechek182) August 6, 2025 Def in on buying the $299 a year if it has Redzone + espn+ and wwe ple's That's a really good deal — Xavier LaFlamme (@xlaflammer) August 6, 2025 Woah woah woah. We all use peacock for WWE. How are they gonna lose it and not have it go to Netflix like it is for everyone outside the US? — Mort (@amort9924) August 6, 2025 Youtube TV 70/mo - Smackdown Netflix 30/mo - Raw Peacock 10/mo - PLE Now ESPN triple then price. Ridiculous. — Yoshi (@shibtoshi) August 6, 2025 $30 per month for just PLE is insane 😭 Unless you're into other sports they offer too. otherwise, VPN + Netflix is the easier and cheaper way. — Samir | WWE fan🇧🇩 (@SamirParvez) August 6, 2025 Well, it was fun while it lasted. I'm out @WWE — Joe Russo (@joerussotweets) August 6, 2025 A History Of WWE Streaming This is the third major evolution of WWE's streaming strategy in the United States. In 2014, the company launched the groundbreaking WWE Network, a revolutionary direct-to-consumer service for $9.99 a month that included all pay-per-views. In 2021, WWE licensed its US streaming rights to NBC's Peacock in a billion-dollar deal, which lowered the price for most consumers but was met with criticism for its user interface. This new move to ESPN is part of parent company TKO's strategy to align WWE's distribution model with that of the UFC. The UFC's partnership with ESPN+ has been a massive success, integrating the sport into ESPN's daily programming and growing its mainstream audience. WWE is clearly hoping to replicate that success, using ESPN's massive reach to attract new, casual sports fans to the product. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Scrapped WWE Storyline For Roman Reigns' Tribal Chief Title Revealed
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. WWE has released a new, high-end "Tribal Chief Championship Replica Title Belt" on its official shop. According to a new report, the title was originally intended to be part of a major on-screen storyline for Roman Reigns before the company changed its creative direction. The new replica belt is available on for $599.99. While it is now a collector's item, it was once slated to be an official part of The Bloodline saga. The Scrapped WWE Storyline According to the wrestling news account WrestleVotes, WWE had internal discussions back in December 2024 about introducing a physical "Tribal Chief Championship." The report states the new title would have been presented to Roman Reigns and used in the storyline involving the power struggle with Solo Sikoa. This would have been the title presented to Reigns on Netflix had that decision gone through back in December. Now it's a commemorative item, priced at a cool $600. — WrestleVotes (@WrestleVotes) July 15, 2025 "This would have been the title presented to Reigns on Netflix had that decision gone through back in December," WrestleVotes reported. "Now it's a commemorative item." The plan was ultimately altered, and the physical belt was never introduced on television. A History of Custom WWE Titles While a "Tribal Chief" title may seem unusual, WWE has a long history of creating custom championships to enhance the characters of its top superstars. The most famous example is Stone Cold Steve Austin's "Smoking Skull" version of the WWE Championship during the Attitude Era. Other notable custom belts include John Cena's "Spinner" belt, Edge's "Rated-R" version, and Daniel Bryan's "Eco-Friendly" title made of wood and hemp. INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 02: (L-R) Roman Reigns wrestles Cody Rhodes for Undisputed WWE Universal Title Match during WrestleMania Goes Hollywood at SoFi Stadium on April 02, 2023 in Inglewood, California. INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 02: (L-R) Roman Reigns wrestles Cody Rhodes for Undisputed WWE Universal Title Match during WrestleMania Goes Hollywood at SoFi Stadium on April 02, 2023 in Inglewood, introduction of a physical championship for the "Tribal Chief" would have been a significant move. It would have turned the symbolic leadership of the Anoa'i family, represented by the Ula Fala necklace, into a literal, physical prize for members of The Bloodline to covet and fight over. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation The Head of the Table Returns While the storyline for a physical Tribal Chief title was scrapped, the actual Roman Reigns made his shocking return to WWE at the Night of Champions premium live event in June. After a multi-month hiatus following his loss at WrestleMania 41, Reigns returned to attack both John Cena and CM Punk. His return immediately reignited his legendary rivalry with Cena, setting the stage for a blockbuster main event match at SummerSlam. The Tribal Chief may not have a new physical belt, but he has returned to reclaim his spot at the Head of the Table. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports
