WWE announces streaming WWE network, will feature pay-per-views, aftershows

Has the WWE found a new way to monetize itself in the internet age? Based on the update that we are sharing now, it certainly seems like it.

In a statement earlier this week, the wrestling organization, which is no stranger to television stations such as USA, announced that they are going to offer up a new online streaming network (appropriately titled the WWE Network) starting on Monday, February 24. This network is going to feature everything from documentaries to reality shows, classic matches, and big moments in the history of the organization. Not only that, but there will be live coverage of every pay-per-view event that the WWE puts on if you are a subscriber.

If we were a major wrestling fan, it would be pretty easy to consider this a bargain. Do you now how expensive it is to watch these big-time events like WrestleMania on TV? They are charging $9.99 a month for a six-month subscription, and if you were someone who was going to be buying up all of the pay-per-view events, this is a deal that easily saves you money and also gives you an opportunity to see bonus content.

The first major event coming to this network? An aftershow for Monday Night Raw on the 24, which will start at 11:00 p.m. Eastern time. Even wrestling has now officially fallen in love with this TV trend, which we give shared credit to “Watch What Happens Live!” (which at times functions as an aftershow) as well as “Talking Dead.” Given that many of these wrestlers are super-charismatic guys, it makes sense to really get as much of them on the air as possible for the fans.

There is also little doubting that this is a great new revenue stream for the wrestling organization, especially when you consider that we’re in an age now where there are so many options, and we can’t imagine all of the traveling and paying the wrestlers comes cheap.

What do you think: Is this a great idea for wrestling fans? Share below.