WWE Launches Free Streaming Version of WWE Network

By Claire Spellberg @c_spellberg
Published June 1, 2020, 11:19 a.m. ET

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WWE Smackdown

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WWE Network is lifting its paywall. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the wrestling giant has launched a free version of the WWE Network that includes thousands of franchise staples, from WWE Raw to Friday Night SmackDown. The WWE Network free tier will offer wrestling fans an expanded content lineup as well as new series like Raw Talk, a weekly talk show, and Top 10 highlights.

THR reports that the WWE Network free product, creatively dubbed the Free Version of WWE Network, will feature 15,000 titles, including new editions of flagships Monday Night Raw, NXT, and WrestleMania. Jayar Donlan, executive vice president of advanced media, tells THR that the free service will function as “a balance of providing a great experience for our fans by essentially offering unlimited access to a larger array of programming while still maintaining the value of our more premium content at $9.99 per month.”

Unlike many other free streaming services, the Free Version of WWE Network will not be ad-supported at launch, though it’s possible that could change in the future. However, the WWE Network free tier is borrowing other features from its fellow streamers: the service will boast its own original programming, as well as a robust library of original series (THR reports Monday Night War, Ride Along and Table for 3 will be on the service), historical pay-per-view programming, and weekly chat and highlight shows.

WWE Network has proven immensely successful since its 2014 launch. According to THR, the service hit 2.1 million subscribers in early April, largely due to sign-ups ahead of WrestleMania 36. While the company opened up much of its content for free streaming ahead of the April event, the addition of a totally-free tier marks a major step in its streaming strategy. “Evolving is smart, and putting new offers in the marketplace stimulates consumer activity,” said Donlan. “It gives us a good fan experience.”

To access the WWE Network free version, download the WWE app on any device, including a smart TV, gaming console, mobile phone, tablet, or computer. From there, create a log-in and start streaming, no credit card required!

Where to stream WWE SmackDown