NBCUniversal made a major play to keep WWE fans locked into their Peacock subscriptionsby taking Saturday Nights Main Event off network television altogether. Instead of airing on NBC where it could pull strong ratings, the event will now stream exclusively on Peacock.
Dave Meltzer explained on Wrestling Observer Radio that the move was all about protecting streaming subscriber numbers, even if it meant sacrificing exposure on traditional TV.
Meltzer broke down NBCs strategy behind the scenes, noting that they deliberately picked nights with weak TV competition to run WWE, avoiding dates where bigger sports events might clash.
The impact of this shift will be especially clear on December 13, when John Cena wrestles whats expected to be his retirement matchexclusively on Peacock. If the bout aired on NBC, it couldve drawn massive mainstream interest. But Meltzer made it clear: past TV numbers just didnt justify that.
From a financial standpoint, WWE isnt losing out. Meltzer said the money from Saturday Nights Main Event was rolled into the larger SmackDown rights package, so WWE still gets paidjust not with the same reach.
NBCUniversals gamble is clear: prioritize long-term subscriber retention over short-term TV ratings. Whether that pays off for WWE and its fans remains to be seen.
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Do you think NBC made the right move keeping WWEs biggest matches behind a paywall? Or should John Cenas final bout have aired on national television? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
