The WWE Network may have been a blessing for the fans, but it came as a huge blow to the Superstars, according to Maven Huffman.
The WWE Network was first announced in 2011 and officially launched in 2014, collecting all past and future WWE shows as well as original content.
In a recent video posted to his YouTube channel, Maven shared why the WWE Network came as bad news for Superstars. He said,
“The [WWE] Network coming out … it sucked. I do know other guys who were making good royalty checks [from physical media sales].
“Once people stopped buying pay-per-views, I guarantee you their pay-per-view checks went down dramatically. When you’re in this business and you get to the WWE, that’s why you want to be on the pay-per-views. You know the buy rate, you’re going to get a piece of that and when you’re at his level, you’re going to get a big chunk of it. Once that goes down … I feel him on that.”
Earlier this month, it was reported that the WWE Network outside the United States will be absorbed into Netflix when the streaming service begins hosting RAW in 2025.
The WWE Network, a streaming service that revolutionized the way fans consume professional wrestling content, has been hailed as a blessing by fans worldwide. However, former WWE Superstar Maven Huffman sheds light on how the network had a negative impact on the wrestlers themselves.
Announced in 2011 and launched in 2014, the WWE Network offered a vast library of past and future WWE shows, as well as original programming. It provided fans with unlimited access to pay-per-view events, documentaries, and exclusive content for a monthly subscription fee. While this was a dream come true for wrestling enthusiasts, it had unintended consequences for the Superstars.
In a recent video on his YouTube channel, Maven Huffman expressed his thoughts on how the WWE Network affected the income of wrestlers. He revealed that many Superstars used to receive substantial royalty checks from physical media sales, such as DVDs and Blu-rays. However, with the rise of the network, the demand for physical media declined significantly.
Huffman explained that when people stopped buying pay-per-views individually and subscribed to the network instead, it had a direct impact on the Superstars’ earnings. Wrestlers who were accustomed to receiving a portion of the pay-per-view buy rates saw their income decrease dramatically. For those striving to reach the pinnacle of their careers in WWE, being featured on pay-per-views was a significant milestone. The buy rate directly correlated to their earnings, and losing out on that revenue stream was disheartening.
The shift from pay-per-view purchases to the WWE Network subscription model meant that Superstars no longer received a share of the buy rates. Instead, their income relied heavily on other revenue streams within the company, such as merchandise sales and live event appearances. While these sources of income are still significant, the loss of pay-per-view royalties undoubtedly had an impact on the financial stability of some wrestlers.
It is important to note that this issue primarily affects wrestlers who were already established and receiving substantial royalty checks. For up-and-coming talent, the exposure and opportunities provided by the WWE Network can be invaluable in building their careers and fan base.
In recent news, it was announced that the WWE Network outside the United States will be integrated into Netflix starting in 2025. This move further emphasizes the changing landscape of professional wrestling content distribution and the potential implications for Superstars’ earnings.
Despite the challenges posed by the WWE Network, it is worth acknowledging the positive aspects it brought to the industry. The network allowed fans to access an extensive library of wrestling content, including classic matches and documentaries that would have otherwise been inaccessible. It also provided a platform for up-and-coming talent to showcase their skills to a global audience.
While the WWE Network may have had unintended consequences for Superstars’ earnings, it is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of the wrestling industry. As technology continues to reshape how fans consume content, it is crucial for wrestlers and promotions to adapt and find new avenues for financial stability.