As some will be aware, a screenshot has been floating around Reddit today, showing an interesting WWE Network survey. We’d like to thank everyone who brought this to our attention. We just took our time looking into it properly before relaying the information to our readers.
Below is a complete screenshot of part of the released survey:
To make this clear from the outset, this survey has been confirmed as legitimate. Also, while this is merely an example of how to answer the questionnaire, the same layout also officially appears later on. We just used this image due to it being the most complete.
There’s quite a lot of information to unpack here, so let’s take it slow. Firstly, there’s no reason to panic about a forced price increase. The way this is laid out, it seems WWE are merely looking at expanding the price range for customers, not having one replace the current (and only) $9.99 tier.
Starting with the “free” column, this looks to be an attempt to modify the current rolling free trial for new customers. With potential free accounts able to test the service on all devices, view unlimited sub-5-minute clips and 5 hours of VOD content per month, its purpose seems to be to allow those curious to test the waters. An interesting idea.
The $4.99 column is what could be called the “casual fan” option. It allows live viewing of the “big four” events, while blocking off the majority of the current product. The limitation to mobile devices only suggests that WWE target those who just dip into the service for brief periods when bored. One thing of note for this tier is apparent access to “pre-recorded” episodes of NXT, also suggesting that higher priced plans would gain access to “live” episodes from the developmental brand. Does this mean NXT would begin a live taping schedule? Or would lower plans just gain delayed access after the livestream premiere? It’s hard to say, but intriguing nonetheless.
The $9.99 option is basically what we have now. In fact, there’s zero changes. It’s likely just a way for WWE to gage the popularity of the current price.
The premium $14.99 plan seems to be what has everyone excited. Along with a complete removal of adverts, this option hints at a potential working relationship with independent wrestling promotions. Namely allowing their shows to be aired on the WWE Network in some capacity. While Ring of Honor and TNA are mentioned by name, it’s very likely that EVOLVE would also be a candidate if this were to go ahead. Finally, the fan perks are something WWE have toyed with the idea of previously.
UPDATE: For the sake of completion, here are three more screenshots from the survey which consider a wide variation of price plans offering various options. Don’t read too much into these as they’re designed to narrow down what features are most popular and not signs of intended price plans. You can click on each image for a larger version:
As a final disclaimer, none of these possibilities are set to happen. This is merely WWE putting out feelers for ways to potentially improve a product. This article is just boiling down information and spelling out what it could all mean for the WWE Network’s future.
With all that said, which pricing option would interest you? Would you be tempted to switch up or down from the current 9.99 you’re paying? Let us know in the comment section below!
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