WWEs legendary archive library could soon be locked behind a paywalland fans may not be thrilled.
According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, theres growing internal expectation that WWEs massive collection of archived content will be moving to ESPN+ by the end of the year. While nothing is officially confirmed, this move would shift thousands of hours of classic matches, documentaries, and historical footage off free platforms like YouTube.
This wouldnt just be the old WWE Network content. Meltzer said ESPN is aiming to grab the entire on-demand libraryincluding Vault-style content and even WWEs YouTube classics.
If the deal goes through, fans who have relied on free YouTube access might find themselves needing an ESPN+ subscription to keep up with WWEs rich history. The move is part of WWEs broader $1.625 billion streaming deal with ESPN, which officially begins in 2026 and already includes live Premium Live Events.
While ESPN+ offers strong infrastructure and a U.S.-centric audience, the shift raises questions about accessibilityespecially for international fans and those who cant justify another streaming bill.
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Would you rather see WWEs legendary archives on ESPN+ or stay free on You Tube for easier access? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
