If we are to believe the latest noise from Vince McMahon Towers, the WWE Network will officially – and finally – launch in the UK on Monday 19th January. While we’re all allowed to have a healthy dose of doubt in regards to the announcement – it’s only right after WWE promised it would arrive on our shores late last year only to pull it 20 minutes before it was due to go live – the latest controversy seems to be the price.
Long-standing and touted at $9.99 in the USA, many thought and assumed this fee would be adjusted in the United Kingdom given that such a figure in dollars relates to around £6.74. Instead, it’s £9.99… which actually works out at $15.29. Rightfully so, it has left a few British wrestling fans a little frustrated.
While I understand the argument and agree with it in many ways, I have absolutely no problem with the boys and girls of Stamford, Connecticut deciding to keep its ‘singular price point’, even if it means we’re paying more than our American counterparts. It’s unarguably unfair – why should we have to part with more cash? – but unfortunately, such conversion has always been the way of things.
That certainly doesn’t justify the decision, but if we look at the likes of games and movies – the former especially – the shift across the pond has always seen the dollar amount simply translate verbatim on its journey. It means we’re stuck with paying more money as those responsible act like what’s transpired is more than fair. It’s why you can buy GTA 5 on the PS4 for $59.99 (£39.23) and £49.99 ($76.36). If those in suits can get away with it, they will.
It’s certainly an attitude that needs to change, but if we isolate the WWE Network in this instance I’m still happy to cough up £9.99 a month. Why? Because it’s incredibly good value.
For anyone that wants to watch professional-wrestling through SkyTV the cost remains high. You’ve got to invest in the service to begin with, and then there’s the added cost of Sky Sports on top of that. Furthermore, those precious PPVs come in at an exceptionally lofty price point, £19.95 for the upcoming Royal Rumble. Admittedly this model is completely screwed to begin with, but to take it at face value means it’s hard to feel too out of pocket when you can pay £9.99 for that and so much more.
Yes, this sounds like an advert, but having access to monthly main events as well as a barrage of historical content is more than enough to justify the entry point. The Network undoubtedly needs RAW and SmackDown on it, but given the chances of that are slim to none – thanks, Murdoch – it’s still a product I have no qualms in subscribing to, even if I’m forced to part with a little more cash.
The real tipping point comes in the sense of those who are willing to access the Network using a VPN. Although the WWE has tried to keep the service away from the UK, it certainly hasn’t been closed off. Its American counterpart has been accessible from day one and doing so means you’re only ever going to be asked to part with nine…ninety… nine dollars. Why pay more when there’s no need? Because it’s easier to connect without having to mask your IP address. It may not be the strongest alternative, but for many it’s enough. Additionally, not everyone is happy to find ‘other, free ways’ to satisfy their Sports Entertainment appetite, although that remains another option.
With all this said, WWE has to start ensuring that its fresher content is worth paying out for. Even at £9.99 for an awesome window into the past, if most monthly PPVs are going to be at the level of 2014’s TLC then we may have to start re-thinking the whole ordeal. It also doesn’t help when compared with comparable products, not least Netflix.
While more than affordable at £5.99 – and a price point people will immediately make associations with – the range of movies offered is laughable compared to its US counterpart. To its credit Netflix charges more or less the same both here and abroad, but going on what’s offered, we should be paying a lot less. It certainly doesn’t do the WWE any favours, mind, when like-for-like content magically becomes more expensive in different locations.
Maybe the excess is going into Sky’s pocket…
Either way, with WWE finally launching the Network across the globe – which was the plan from day one – hopefully it’s a new dawn for professional-wrestling as a whole.
Or maybe that’s just wishful thinking…
