WrestlePalooza was meant to kick off WWEs $1.6 billion ESPN deal with a bangbut for many fans, it was a disaster from the moment they tried to log in. Now, Its been confirmed what many suspected all along: ESPN never intended to let traditional cable subscribers watch the show.
During Fightfuls Backstage Report podcast, Sean addressed the massive confusion over ESPN Unlimited, the new subscription tier required to stream WWE premium live events. Many fans assumed their existing cable package or ESPN login would work. It didntand according to Sean, that was always by design.
Sean made it clear that this strategy was deliberate and confirmed by ESPNs own media call leading up to WrestlePalooza.
This aligns with what ESPN SVP of DTC John Lasker said days before the event. While fielding questions from reporters, Lasker noted that only Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, DirecTV, Spectrum, and Verizon Fios customers could access ESPN Unlimited. Anyone else? Theyd have to wait until ESPN gradually expanded the tier.
Despite that heads-up, countless fans still hit login walls, received error screens, or couldnt even find the event once it began. ESPN even had SportsCenter broadcasting live from WrestlePaloozaonly for the launch to be marred by tier confusion and subscriber outrage.
Sean emphasized that this isnt a temporary issueits part of Disneys long-term plan to funnel viewers into their streaming bundle, which includes Hulu + Live TV, Disney+, and ESPN+.
So if you were expecting your regular cable subscription to deliver WWE premium events under the ESPN dealthink again. This isnt changing any time soon.
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Were you caught in the chaos trying to stream Wrestle Palooza? Should ESPN have made ESPN Unlimited more accessible before launching this deal? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
