According to its corporate website, WWE has terminated its partnership with Russian broadcaster Match and shut down the WWE Network in Russia effective immediately.
The report further states that the move eliminates access in Russia to any WWE programming, including the company’s weekly Raw, SmackDown and NXT shows, its on-demand library, and all of its premium live events, including WrestleMania 38.
This is the latest in a series of economic decisions made in an attempt to punish the Russian Government and Vladimir Putin for its invasion of Ukraine. Several companies, including Apple, have stopped doing business with Russia, which is hurting their economy. In addition, the United States has placed several sanctions on Russia over the past weeks, with more to come in the future.
Editor’s Opinion:
This doesn’t surprise me, as we are starting to see a pattern of major industries from the west doing what they can to stand up to the Russian Government. Many people view Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a cowardly act of war and are doing what they can to support the Ukrainian people, while also slowing down the Russian economy.
“GET EXCLUSIVE UPDATES! Click here to sign up for the exclusive Wrestling Rumors daily newsletter, delivered right to your inbox.”