WWE Network Rolling Out Updated Version This Week, Aims To Satisfy Fan Feedback With Updated Interface, Free And VIP Tiers On The Way

WWE has announced to Network subscribers that they’ll be rolling out an updated version of the platform this week.

The company sent an email to subscribers which explains:

We are pleased to inform you that WWE Network is being updated this week with a new design, a simpler navigation and smarter search tools. In addition, please be aware of the following:

1) You will need to log in with your email address and password the first time you use the updated WWE Network on each streaming device.
2) You will NOT need to set up a new account. You should use your existing WWE Network email address and password.
3) The update will occur on different devices at different times during the week.

CLICK HERE for a video on WWE.com showing some of the changes, like Superstar specific pages and the promise of additional features that fans have been asking for.

The WWE Network launched in 2014. This was before every major media company had an over-the-top streaming service, like the current entertainment landscape, and it was huge for wrestling fans. Not only did the platform allow subscribers the ability to watch monthly pay-per-views for a low price, but it also gave access to a massive catalogue of content that’s only grown over the years.

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This includes classic content from WWE, WCW and ECW, as well as territories such as AWA, World Class, Mid-South and Smoky Mountain Wrestling. The platform also launched NXT UK, 205 Live, the Mae Young Classic and premiered exclusive documentaries and shows.

WWE began surveying wrestling fans shortly after launching their network. While subtle changes have been implemented over time due to feedback, the interface as a whole has largely remained the same.

That changes beginning today.

Pro Wrestling Sheet got a sneak peak of the platform’s updated look and it features a sleek, new standout design that’s comparable to Netflix or Hulu. Aside from a more visually pleasing look, the platform now provides more viewing options as well.

Pro Wrestling Sheet was told the team spent lots of time taking in the feedback to craft an experience that will allow subscribers to discover content more easily. This note is evident right away.

Past pay-per-view content is featured more prominently on the homepage with bigger versions of the posters showing off what’s available in reverse chronological order. The navigation bar has also moved to the left hand side of the platform with new options — including a Superstars landing page.

This page includes WWE roster specific cards you can click on to see featured matches from the performers, stats and more. Each Superstar page can be favorited to make it easier to find new content from your favorite WWE stars upon return.

Something else users will notice is that finding WWE pay-per-views in that section of the platform has been simplified, as each event is listed at the top of the page. Even better, when you open a PPV, a carousel of thumbnails is shown at the bottom so you can jump to any match or moment in the show. This feature will work with some of the TV shows as well, though not all.

There’s also a skip match button that’s been added which allows users the ability to jump ahead while watching something that isn’t live. This is very handy if you’re not feeling a match or segment.

According to WWE, today’s rollout is only the first phase of the new version of their network. This will open the door to additional tiers and more global localization on the platform.

Beginning today with phase one … fans will see a sleeker design, a better user experience and search functionality that makes it easier to find content.

It’s no secret that the search functionality of the original interface has been criticized by fans since day one. For example, searching “Stone Cold” yields over 139 pages of results and it’s difficult to find something you might want to watch. In the new interface, however, results show notable pay-per-views he was featured on alongside famous moments and matches.

“Over the next few months we plan to launch a free tier with select WWE programming and – a few months after that – a VIP tier with additional programming similar to the EVOLVE 10th anniversary celebration that WWE Network streamed earlier this month,” WWE tells Pro Wrestling Sheet.

WWE’s relationship with EVOLVE got taken to a new level this month after the two companies produced their first joint event on the WWE Network. The event showcased indie talent in matches against NXT Superstars like Matt Riddle, Babatunde, Arturo Ruas and Adam Cole, as well as 205 Live wrestlers Drew Gulak and Akira Tozawa. Paul Heyman was also on the show.

WWE Photo

Similar to EVOLVE, WWE has had a relationship for years now with PROGRESS and ICW. WWE didn’t confirm either promotion would be included in the VIP tier, but “programming similar to the EVOLVE 10th Anniversary Celebration” sounds like that’s a possibility.

Additional details on WWE’s free and VIP tiers in the coming months were not made available, nor how the new tiers might affect programming currently available to subscribers.

WWE did confirm, however, that they have a long term goal of localizing WWE Network “by language and currency in key markets around the world.”

The launch video below also promises better scrolling through video content, but we weren’t able to test it out while getting a tour of the new features. Fans will certainly be happy if WWE has been able to fix this part of the app though, as it’s another one of the most criticized parts of the platform.

WWE did not say whether there are plans for shared/custom playlists in the near future. Same for the possibility of downloading content for offline viewing. Hopefully these features aren’t far behind though, as the updated version of WWE Network looks to have addressed almost all of the complaints from subscribers and it makes for a much better experience.

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

WWE Hall Of Famer Trish Stratus To Wrestle At SummerSlam?

WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus is currently in talks to wrestle a singles match at the WWE SummerSlam pay-per-view, according to Pro Wrestling Sheet.

There’s no word yet on who Stratus will be wrestling, but it looks like she could be going up against Charlotte Flair. Tonight’s SmackDown featured Flair ranting about being left off the SummerSlam card. Flair demanded to be put on the card, and said she will prove why she’s the greatest female Superstar of all-time. She also said her opponent will be better than Ember Moon, a reference to Moon vs. SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley at SummerSlam.

Flair also took to Twitter after SmackDown and wrote, “Queen of all of ERAS of Women’s Wrestling #SummerSlam”

SummerSlam takes place on August 11 from Trish’s hometown of Toronto, Ontario, Canada at the Scotiabank Arena.

https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1153843865255677954

https://twitter.com/MsCharlotteWWE/status/1153846755848413185

UPDATE:

In an update, John Pollock reports that multiple sources have confirmed Stratus vs. Flair as the current plan for SummerSlam.

There’s no word yet on when Stratus will return to WWE TV to promote the match. This will be her first match since October 2018, when she teamed with WWE Hall of Famer Lita to defeat Mickie James and Alicia Fox at Evolution, then worked a ten-woman tag team match on RAW the next night.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE SmackDown Live Preview 7/23/19

Tonight’s WWE SmackDown Live will take place from the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida.

* WWE Champion Kofi Kingston to issue a SummerSlam challenge

* Shane McMahon to address Kevin Owens on SmackDown LIVE

* Ember Moon to collide with Charlotte Flair

* Shawn Michaels to be guest commentator

* Will Daniel Bryan make his announcement?

WWE Fires Lead Writers For RAW & SmackDown LIVE

According to Pro Wrestling Sheet, WWE has recently let go of two writers on their creative teams – Steve Guerreri, who was one of the lead writers on SmackDown and Steve Oppenheim, who was the in-office or “home team” leader writer on Raw.

Both were released from the company last week but it was neither of WWE’s new Executive Directors, Paul Heyman or Eric Bischoff, who made those decisions.

Steve Austin, Hulk Hogan, John Cena, DX, Ric Flair, RVD And Other Legends Returned At WWE RAW Reunion

* John Cena opened the show and traded a few rap lyrics with The Usos, who brought out their dad, Rikishi. This led to The Usos, with Rikishi at ringside, winning a non-title match over RAW Tag Team Champions The Revival, who had D-Von Dudley at ringside. Cena’s rap mentioned The Usos’ arrests and mugshot photos

* Hulk Hogan and Jimmy Hart were shown in a brief backstage buffer segment

* Alicia Fox, Kaitlyn, Torrie Wilson, Santino Marella appeared in a brief backstage segment with Drew McIntyre and Dana Brooke. Drew insulted them for being so-called “Legends” and walked off.

https://twitter.com/WWEUniverse/status/1153461216066408448

* The Godfather appeared backstage with Charly Caruso and asked her what time it was, then told everyone it’s time to get on the Ho Train. He appeared right after Drake Maverick first won the WWE 24/7 Title from R-Truth.

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* Christian did commentary for The Viking Raiders vs. Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins. Lilian Garcia was the ring announcer for that match. Booker T did commentary for The Revival vs. The Usos. Jonathan Coachman did commentary for Rey Mysterio vs. Sami Zayn. Jerry Lawler did commentary for Seth Rollins vs. AJ Styles.

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* Kurt Angle, Jillian Hall, Jimmy Hart and others were shown at a backstage RAW Reunion party at various times.

* New WWE SmackDown Executive Director Eric Bischoff appeared in a backstage segment with Mike Kanellis, Maria Kanellis, Eve Torres and WWE Hall of Famer Ron Simmons. It appeared Bischoff mentioned to Kanellis that they may be able to come over to the blue brand if it doesn’t work out for them on the red brand. The segment ended with Simmons throwing a “Damn!” to Mike after Maria ran him down and insulted him in front of everyone.

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* Rob Van Dam (who is under contract with Impact Wrestling), Sgt. Slaughter, “The Hurricane” Shane Helms, and Kurt Angle appeared during Sami Zayn vs. Rey Mysterio to prevent Sami from walking out on the match. Sami had insulted the Legends during a backstage RAW Reunion party segment.

* DX’s Triple H and Shawn Michaels appeared during the non-title Seth Rollins vs. WWE United States Champion AJ Styles. They entered the ring to stand with Rollins after Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson forced the DQ, then threw crotch chops to start a six-an brawl. The OC then brought steel chairs to the apron but this brought out “Road Dogg” BG James, Sean “X-Pac” Waltman, Kevin Nash and Scott Hall. DX and The Kliq stood tall together to intimidate The OC into leaving. The OC is the new name for The Club. The OC (The official, original only club that matters.)

* Mick Foley and Mark Henry were shown in a brief backstage segment. Foley then came out to talk about RAW but he was attacked and destroyed by “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt.

* The show-closing segment was a “Toast to Monday Night RAW” that started with Ric Flair coming out as the group of Legends and former Superstars gathered behind him on the stage. Hulk Hogan then came out for a few quick words, and then Steve Austin made his entrance to the biggest pop of the night. Austin talked about WWE and the fans being family, and then raised toasts to RAW, the wrestlers, the fans, and just about everyone else. RAW Reunion went off the air with the Legends, Hall of Famers and former Superstars sharing beers in the ring.

The 24/7 Title changed hands several times last night, with some of the returning legends winning the title.

Below is a recap of what happened with the 24/7 Title.

* WWE RAW Reunion special ended the same way it began – with R-Truth holding the WWE 24/7 Title.

The first half of the show saw several title changes – Drake Maverick captured the title from Truth, WWE Hall of Famer Pat Patterson won the title from Drake, after he was scarred by The Boogeyman. WWE Hall of Famer Gerald Brisco won the title from Patterson, Kelly Kelly then became the first woman to win the title.

The title changes continued as Candice Michelle then won the title from Kelly Kelly, with help from referee Melina. WWE Hall of Famer Alundra Blayze then choked out Candice to win the title. Blayze then tried to recreate her infamous WCW Nitro moment by junking the title in a trash can at the announce table, but WWE Hall of Famer Ted DiBiase came out and bought the title from her.

DiBiase would later drop the title to Maverick, in the back of a limousine to where we couldn’t see it. Drake held the title through a few more segments but lost it back to Truth as he was about to escape in the limousine with wife Renee Michelle, to finally consummate their marriage. Carmella helped Truth win, but Truth jumped into the back of the limousine with Renee as it drove off. The WWE 24/7 Title chase on this week’s RAW ended with champion Truth driving off with Michelle, in what looks to be another bonehead Truth move, while Carmella was left at the arena with a bummed-out Drake.

Truth is now a ten-time WWE 24/7 Champion. Drake’s last reign on tonight’s show was his fourth.

WWE RAW Reunion Preview 7/22/19

Tonight’s big WWE RAW Reunion special will take place from the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida with appearances by several former Superstars, Legends and Hall of Famers.

* WWE Hall of Famers and Legends to descend on Raw Reunion

* How will Seth Rollins gear up for The Beast?

* “A Moment of Bliss” will welcome Becky Lynch on Raw Reunion tonight

* Will Ricochet get retribution after vicious assault at the hands of Styles, Anderson & Gallows?

Stick with us throughout the day for updates on tonight’s show and be sure to join us for live coverage at 8pm ET.

Below is the line-up of stars advertised for tonight:

* Alicia Fox
* Alundra Blayze
* Booker T
* Candice Michelle
* Christian
* D-Von Dudley
* DX (Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Sean “X-Pac” Waltman, “Road Dogg” BG James)
* Eric Bischoff
* Eve Torres
* Gerald Brisco
* Hulk Hogan
* Hurricane Helms
* Jillian Hall
* Jonathan Coachman
* Jerry Lawler
* Jimmy Hart
* Kaitlyn
* Kelly Kelly
* Kevin Nash
* Kurt Angle
* Lilian Garcia
* Mark Henry
* Melina
* Mick Foley
* Pat Patterson
* Ric Flair
* Rikishi
* Ron Simmons
* Santino Marella
* Scott Hall
* Sgt. Slaughter
* Shawn Michaels
* Sid Vicious
* Steve Austin
* Ted DiBiase Sr.
* The Boogeyman
* The Godfather

Plus there are reports that John Cena could be appearing tonight at RAW Reunion.

WWE Launches New Talent Brand Management Department

WWE recently established a Talent Brand Management department to help develop the individual brands of their Superstars. They are now hiring a Vice President to run the department and a Director to help. The Director would report to the Vice President, and the Vice President would report directly to WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon.

Both jobs are based at WWE HQ in Stamford, CT. You can see WWE’s job listings for the new positions at this link and this link.

WWE described the new Talent Brand Management department like this:

“Talent Brand Management is a division of WWE that has 360-degree oversight of Superstars’ individual talent brands and is focused on positioning and growing these individual brands inside and outside WWE platforms.”

It sounds like the employees for these new roles will work with talents at WWE events as the job involves traveling 25% of the time.

You can get a good idea of what the new department will be doing by this list of Key Responsibilities and Requirements listed on the Vice President job listing:

Key Responsibilities:

* Work across the organization, including the Executive team and WWE Superstars to establish a clear brand identity for each individual talent brand

* Set strategies to grow individual talent brands inside and outside of WWE’s ecosystem

* Identify and evaluate opportunities for Superstars to help grow talent and reach new audiences based on individual talent brand strategies

* Manage external agencies/parties representing WWE talent

* Ensuring key messaging for both WWE as well as Superstars is well represented in the marketplace

* Establish KPIs to track the growth of individual talent brands

* Establish rate card and standardize practices around external opportunities for talent

* Oversee tracking and communication of individual talent activities

* Clearly communicate messaging and brand positioning across the internal organization

* Leverage your network to bring in new opportunities for talent and WWE

* Partner with key internal departments including, but not limited to: Brand, Communications, Marketing, Sponsorship, Consumer Products and Talent Relations

* Work closely with Executive Directors for RAW, SmackDown and NXT to ensure alignment with short- and long-term storylines and character bibles

* Report out on status to Executive Team and Chairman’s office, as needed.

* Encourage best practices and procedures to ensure appropriate decision-making protocols are followed, and proactively identify areas for improvement that promote efficiency, innovation, and better communication internally

* Support continued growth of Talent Brand Management department as WWE’s talent roster continues to grow around the world

Requirements:

* A minimum of 10 years of leadership experience in Business Development or Brand Management within the entertainment industry

* Solid understanding of the entertainment industry and media landscape including evolving industry trends, key players, terminology.

* Highly organized and detail-oriented.

* Strong executive presence with excellent written and verbal communication skills.

* Ability to work well with multiple stakeholders across company and externally across partners/agencies.

* Proven leadership and management skills, ability to grow and motivate a team.

* A “can-do” attitude, positivity and high energy.

* Must fit into WWE culture; outside the box thinker, sense of humility, flexible, adaptable to changing conditions, and be an excellent team player.

* Ability to travel up to 25% of the time.

* Must be flexible with working nights, weekends, and holidays.

* Bachelors degree in Business, Communications, Marketing, or related field of study preferred.

* MBA or JD is required.

Below are the Key Responsibilities and Qualifications for the Director job:

Key Responsibilities:

* Work across the organization to oversee the development and execution of individual WWE Superstar brand strategies

* Serve as point of contact for talent to seek feedback/ideas and review new opportunities that align with talent’s personal interests and/or larger brand growth strategy

* Partner with Creative Services and Television Production teams to develop marketing materials for individual talent

* Help evaluate opportunities Superstars to help grow talent and reach new audiences based on individual talent brand strategies

* Work with key internal departments including, but not limited to Brand, Communications, Marketing, Sponsorship, Consumer Products and Talent Relations, to track any potential/upcoming/completed opportunities for assigned talent

* Work closely with Executive Directors for RAW, SmackDown and NXT to ensure alignment with short- and long-term storylines and character bibles

* Partner across the organization to solicit meaningful opportunities for assigned talent

* Establish and track KPIs to monitor growth of brands on on-going basis, create and distribute reports internally to key stakeholders

* Ensure rate card and standardized practices around external opportunities for talent are being followed

* Research and develop strategic plans that include proper positioning of individual talent brands

* Clearly communicate messaging and brand positioning for individual talent across the internal organization

* Provide support, research, feedback and insight to the VP, Talent Brand Management as needed

* Provide onsite support at events and activations as needed

Qualifications:

* 7+ years of related experience, preferably from a promotions/sports marketing agency; including working directly with athletes or celebrities

* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including verbal, written, and presentation

* Exceptional project management, organizational, and time management skills, with the ability to lead multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

* Self-motivated with a positive, can-do attitude; poise and grace under pressure

* Professional in always maintaining the highest degree of discretion and confidentiality

* Willing and able to work a flexible schedule including late nights and weekends on a regular basis

* Able to travel for business as needed (approximately 20-25%) and work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed

* Proficient in MS Office suite, especially PowerPoint and Excel

* Bachelor’s degree required, MBA or JD is a plus

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Kevin Owens Reportedly Working Without A Script On WWE TV

Kevin Owens has been cutting his recent promos without a script, according to a new report from Sports Illustrated.

While Owens has been working with no script as of late, he is working off of bullet points, given to him by the SmackDown writers.

WWE is currently pushing Owens as a babyface, something they had planned months ago before he had to turn heel to make up for the WrestleMania 35 injury to Daniel Bryan. It’s been reported that WWE gave Owens the Stunner as a finisher to help get him over as a strong babyface. WWE allowing Owens to work without a script shows that they have a lot of faith in the former Universal Champion.

There’s no word yet on where WWE is going with the current Owens vs. Shane McMahon feud, but speculation is that the program will end at SummerSlam with a match between the two. As noted by SI, WWE could really advance the push of Owens by having their SummerSlam match end with Owens making “short work” of McMahon.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Paul Heyman Reportedly Looking To Change How Promos Are Done On WWE RAW

Since being named the new executive director of RAW, Paul Heyman’s influence has started to get noticed. Whether it be physical segments involving talent or the Mike and Maria Kanellis segments, the man who innovated ECW is looking to do the same with WWE’s flagship show.

That apparently also includes promo work.

According to the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Heyman has been trying to make backstage interviews come across as more realistic. Similar to what we saw with Drew McIntyreand Cedric Alexander on Raw this past Monday, Heyman wants there to be consequences to everyone’s actions and for the atmosphere to feel authentic.

In the past, Heyman has worked with a number of wrestlers when it comes to in-ring and promo work including Charlotte Flair, Ronda Rousey and Aleister Black. Rousey had publicly talked in the past about Heyman working with her, including with some of her promos on Becky Lynch.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Shawn Michaels Returning To WWE SmackDown Next Week For Commentary

WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels will make his return to SmackDown on next Tuesday’s episode from the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida.

Michaels took to Twitter today to reveal that he will be doing commentary on Tuesday’s SmackDown.

He wrote, “I’ve had a lot of …ahem.. fun times on Monday Night #Raw, but I’m not just coming to #RawReunion to see some friends, ol’ HBK is going to be joining commentary THIS Tuesday on #SDLive! #IveBeenPracticing”

Michaels, who turns 54 on Monday, will also make an appearance on Monday’s RAW Reunion special from Tampa.

https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1151863117355409411

Source: Wrestling Inc.