The tiered WWE Network is slowly starting to roll out as the free tier had a soft launch on Thursday.
Fans can head over to WWE Network (watch.wwe.com) and if they are logged out or haven't signed up, they will notice unlocked videos to view. Currently unlocked videos are mainly Top 10 moments, show highlights, and full matches fans would typically find on WWE's YouTube page that are now integrated into the WWE Network interface.
PWInsider reports the available videos will "change over time," though there is no clarity on what could be added to the free tier in the future.
The unannounced rollout is done as a form of beta testing to find any potential issues before the official launch.
A tiered WWE Network has been discussed for over a year, but details have been scarce. WWE Co-President George Barrios told The Verge in September that the tiers could be free, regular and premium.
Free: This will offer the same free-to-watch videos you’d normally find on WWE.com. Barrios said WWE might also offer timed previews of paid WWE Network content.
Regular: The standard WWE Network experience, combining free content with subscription benefits like live pay-per-views, on-demand streaming, and original programming.
Premium: “We think there’s also an opportunity to super-serve our most passionate Network subscribers with a premium tier that’ll bring together more content for them, more features for them, and also integrating some of our other non-video services like our commerce — potentially integrating something like free shipping, bringing together our digital ticketing efforts in there. It becomes the one place to experience everything WWE.” Barrios didn’t disclose how much WWE might charge for the premium tier.
It is unknown when the full version of the tiered Network will launch.
