The world of professional wrestling has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, with the WWE leading the charge in the digital age. One of the most significant developments in this regard is the WWE’s partnership with Peacock, a popular streaming service. But are all WWE PPV events available on Peacock? In this article, we’ll delve into the details of the WWE Peacock partnership, exploring what’s included, what’s not, and what it means for wrestling fans.
The Rise of Peacock and WWE’s Streaming Ambitions
Peacock, a subsidiary of NBCUniversal, launched in July 2020 as a streaming service aimed at providing a wide range of TV shows, movies, and original content. The service quickly gained traction, with over 10 million subscribers within the first few months of its operation. The WWE, recognizing the potential of streaming, began exploring ways to expand its reach through digital platforms.
In January 2021, the WWE announced a multi-year agreement with Peacock, making the streaming service the exclusive home of WWE Network in the United States. This move marked a significant shift in the WWE’s approach to content distribution, allowing fans to access a vast library of wrestling content, including live events, original series, and documentaries.
What’s Included on Peacock: WWE Content Galore
So, what exactly is included on Peacock for WWE fans? The answer is simple: a treasure trove of wrestling content. With the WWE Network migrating to Peacock, subscribers gain access to:
- Live WWE Events: All WWE pay-per-view (PPV) events, including WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Royal Rumble, and more, are available exclusively on Peacock.
- WWE Original Series: Peacock features a range of original WWE series, such as NXT UK, Main Event, and WWE Chronicle, offering an intimate look at the lives of WWE Superstars.
- Documentaries and Classics: A vast library of wrestling documentaries, including The True Story of WrestleMania and WWE 24, as well as classic matches and episodes of RAW, SmackDown, and ECW.
- In-Ring Action: Peacock features a vast collection of in-ring action, including WWE NXT, WWE 205 Live, and WWE Vintage, showcasing the best of WWE’s past and present.
What’s Not Included: The Exceptions to the Rule
While Peacock offers an impressive array of WWE content, there are a few exceptions to the rule. Some events and content are not available on the platform, including:
International WWE Events
Peacock’s WWE content is exclusive to the United States. International fans can still access WWE events through the WWE Network app or local broadcast partners.
Third-Party Events
Events produced in collaboration with third-party organizations, such as Wrestle Kingdom, a joint venture between WWE and New Japan Pro-Wrestling, are not available on Peacock.
WWE Music and Merchandise
While Peacock offers a wealth of wrestling content, WWE music and merchandise are not part of the service.
The Benefits of Peacock for WWE Fans
So, why should WWE fans flock to Peacock? The answer lies in the benefits:
Affordability
Peacock offers a more affordable option for WWE fans, with a monthly subscription fee of just $4.99 (or $49.99 annually) for the ad-supported plan. The ad-free plan is available for $9.99 per month (or $99.99 annually).
Convenience
With Peacock, WWE fans can access a vast library of content in one place, without the need for multiple apps or subscriptions.
Exclusive Content
Peacock offers exclusive WWE content, including original series and documentaries, not available on other platforms.
The Future of WWE and Peacock
As the WWE continues to evolve and adapt to the digital landscape, the partnership with Peacock is set to play a crucial role. With rumors of expanded international availability and potential collaborations with other NBCUniversal properties, the future of WWE on Peacock looks bright.
In conclusion, while not all WWE PPV events are available on Peacock, the service offers an unparalleled wealth of wrestling content, exclusive originals, and live events. For WWE fans, Peacock is an essential platform, providing convenience, affordability, and a constant stream of new and exciting content. As the WWE continues to push the boundaries of storytelling and entertainment, its partnership with Peacock is set to revolutionize the world of professional wrestling.
What is the WWE Peacock partnership?
The WWE Peacock partnership is a new streaming agreement between WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.) and Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service. This partnership allows WWE fans to access a vast library of WWE content, including live events, documentaries, and original series, directly on the Peacock platform.
With this partnership, Peacock becomes the exclusive streaming home of WWE in the United States, offering a wide range of WWE content to subscribers. This partnership is a significant milestone for both WWE and Peacock, as it marks a new era in the way WWE fans consume their favorite content.
What WWE content is available on Peacock?
Peacock offers an extensive library of WWE content, including all live WWE pay-per-view events, such as WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and Survivor Series. In addition to live events, Peacock subscribers can access a vast on-demand library of WWE content, including WWE’s full archive of pay-per-view events, original series, and documentaries.
This includes popular shows like WWE NXT, WWE 205 Live, and WWE Main Event, as well as documentaries and original series such as WWE Chronicle, WWE Untold, and WWE Ride-Along. Peacock also features a range of WWE’s archival content, including classic episodes of Monday Night Raw and SmackDown, and vintage WCW and ECW events.
Is WWE Network still available?
As a result of the WWE Peacock partnership, WWE Network is no longer available as a standalone streaming service in the United States. Beginning in March 2021, WWE Network subscribers were migrated to Peacock, where they can continue to access their favorite WWE content.
Existing WWE Network subscribers were automatically transferred to Peacock Premium, which offers the same content and features as WWE Network, plus additional Peacock content, at no additional cost. Subscribers can still access all the WWE content they love, including live events, original series, and documentaries, but now with the added benefit of Peacock’s broader range of programming.
How much does Peacock Premium cost?
Peacock Premium, which includes access to the WWE content library, costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year. This is comparable to the previous WWE Network subscription price. Peacock also offers a free, ad-supported option with limited WWE content, but this does not include live events or the full range of WWE programming.
For WWE fans, the Peacock Premium subscription is an excellent value, offering access to a vast library of WWE content, including live events, original series, and documentaries, plus additional Peacock content, all for a similar price to the previous WWE Network subscription.
Can I still purchase individual WWE events?
No, with the WWE Peacock partnership, individual WWE event purchases are no longer available. All live WWE pay-per-view events are now exclusive to Peacock Premium subscribers. This means that fans must subscribe to Peacock Premium to access live WWE events, including WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and Survivor Series.
While this may be a change for some fans who previously purchased individual events, the Peacock Premium subscription offers a more cost-effective and convenient way to access all WWE live events, plus a vast library of on-demand content, for a similar price to individual event purchases.
Is WWE content available in 4K or HDR?
Currently, Peacock does not offer WWE content in 4K or HDR (High Dynamic Range). However, Peacock has announced plans to roll out 4K and HDR support for select content in the near future. While WWE content may not be available in 4K or HDR at launch, Peacock is committed to providing a high-quality viewing experience for its subscribers.
It’s worth noting that even without 4K or HDR, Peacock’s WWE content is available in high definition, providing a crisp and clear viewing experience. WWE fans can still enjoy their favorite content in high quality, even if it’s not in 4K or HDR.
Can I access WWE content on Peacock outside of the US?
No, the WWE Peacock partnership is currently only available in the United States. WWE fans outside of the US can still access WWE content through other streaming services or traditional TV broadcasts. However, the Peacock partnership is exclusive to the US market, and WWE content on Peacock is not available internationally.
WWE is exploring options to expand its streaming reach globally, but for now, the Peacock partnership is limited to the US market. Fans outside of the US can still access WWE content through other means, but they will not be able to access Peacock’s WWE content library.