A few years ago, SuperSport acquired rights to the wrestling promotion WWE after eMedia Investments opted not to renew their agreement reflecting on costs as another measure to leave millions of households with the likes of watered down, Impact Wrestling.
Ever since the move to pay-tv, WWE has managed to retain some of their audiences while others well have to view from the sidelines. I wouldn't say the popularity declined but following it's transition to pay-tv it was kind of evident that the hype would eventually shimmer down.
Now operating as a 24/7 channel featuring Raw, SmackDown, NXT and PPVs even various content from the digital service, WWE Network. It was announced Showmax will become the new home to the WWE Network in Africa.
What this entails is that all the content seen on the WWE Channel will be made available on Showmax Pro but what got readers more intrigued about this during the week was what SuperSport got out of all of this.
"Additionally, SuperSport, the sport broadcasting subsidiary of video entertainment platform MultiChoice, will continue to broadcast live weekly episodes of Raw®, SmackDown® and NXT® as well as all of WWE’s Premium Live Events in a multi-year extension."
Implying the possible end to the WWE Channel, it doesn't mean viewers won't stop getting the above-mentioned brands as highlighted in italics but viewers will possibly have to rely on SuperSport Variety and possibly Action to view more of this brand.
While other shows known to viewers on the WWE app will revert back to being a digital exclusive but this time under Showmax's pay tier Showmax Pro.
WWE Network (not to be mistaken with SuperSport's WWE Channel) hasn't been much of a success in the United States that's why it's on Peacock and the same could be said for other countries such as Indonesia where it can be found on Disney+ Hotstar.
Take into account, most of what is said about WWE Channel's demise is just speculation but from what's seen across the world. Would it be shocking if WWE reverted back to the format seen with Impact Wrestling on e.tv and AEW on TNT.
The current linear offering appears to be running out of content and funneling their schedule with countdowns, playlists, highlights and some here and there's like Notsam Wrestling and WWE Icon. Again, this is all speculation but with MultiChoice's recent cutbacks anything can happen.
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