WWE "Extreme Rules" to Be Free on WWE Network

World Wrestling Entertainment has confirmed through a press release that the “Extreme Rules” pay-per-view on April 26 will be free for all new subscribers of the WWE Network:

WWE Network: Growth Strategy

To grow WWE Network, the Company is executing a five-part strategy, including creating new content, implementing high impact customer acquisition and retention programs, introducing new features, expanding distribution platforms, and entering new geographies. Over the coming year, the Company is focused on expanding the network’s line-up of compelling original content as a critical element of this strategy.

Programming: In addition to the premium monthly live pay-per-view events, WWE Network unveiled new programming for the remainder of 2015, which includes eight brand new original series and partnerships with director Jeff Tremaine, Seth Green’s Stoopid Buddy Stoodios and legendary talk show host Jerry Springer. In addition, in the new show, Diva Search, WWE will span the globe in search of the most beautiful, athletic and charismatic women in the world to find the next stunning WWE Diva. WWE Network will also produce compelling specials and short form content, while continuing to add 1,000 hours to its robust video-on-demand library, which currently has more than 3,000 hours of content. (For more details of WWE Network’s programming line-up see the Company’s March 30, 2015 press release).

Promotions: Based on the successful execution of the network’s free trial offerings, all new subscribers who register for the network in April will receive the network free in that month, including Extreme Rules live on Sunday, April 26.

This isn’t the first time that WWE has given out a pay-per-view for free. Both “Survivor Series” and “Fastlane” were offered to new subscribers at no cost.

The latest subscriber count has the WWE Network at roughly 1.3 million users.

Editor’s Note

I completely understand WWE’s logic behind doing this. They have a lot of momentum coming out of WrestleMania 31. With the option to cancel subscriptions at any time (which I’m sure a lot of fans will consider), the company needs to make sure that the number doesn’t fluctuate a great deal. This should go a long way towards preventing that.

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