Livescore
The WWE Network hosted RAW for almost a decade before the red brand moved to Netflix. The network also carried NXT, SmackDown, and premium live events before it was shut down in favor of the streaming giant.
On a recent edition of What Were They Thinking? on Backstage Pass, JBL talked about WWE Network’s influence on Netflix, noting that the streaming giant’s current model was built off of the network.
“Vince was sitting there trying to build a model, refigure the model, figure all that out. We were so far ahead of the curve…it was almost a bad that decision. If it hadn’t been for Vince, Kevin Dunn, and that entire incredible management team, that would have never worked because we were way too far ahead of the curve. And a lot of what you see with Netflix now is because that model was built off the streaming… off that $9.99.” [From 12:14 onwards]
The former WWE Champion also brought up major sports promotions such as the NBA and the NFL and their move to streaming from regional sports networks in the current day and age.
“And now that model is set. Now everybody wants to go to streaming. You know, the regional sports networks no longer work in baseball. Now everything’s going to streaming with the NBA, the NFL, Major League Baseball, everything’s going to streaming.” [From 12:41 onwards]
Earlier on the podcast, JBL reflected on Vince McMahon’s decision to introduce the WWE Network, recalling how it almost bankrupted the company due to its business model.
Get the full episode of What Were They Thinking? with JBL and Gerald Brisco on Backstage Pass. You can also unlock our exclusive content via YouTube membership.
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