WWE Network to Launch in China

SVOD service will exist on Chinese video-streaming website PPTV, and just in time for “SummerSlam” later this month

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WWE

The WWE Network is coming to China for the first time ever — and just in time for “SummerSlam.”

The SVOD service will launch Aug. 18 on Chinese video-streaming website PPTV. Fans can catch “SummerSlam” live and in Mandarin three days later, at 7 a.m. Beijing time.

PPTV customers can download the PPTV App and watch WWE Network content via smart TVs, set-top boxes, mobile devices and tablets, as well as www.wwe.cnwww.PPTV.com and www.Sports.PPTV.com, per the pro-wrestling promotion.

WWE Network on PPTV will cost 30 yuan ($4.50) per month or 198 yuan per year. Stateside, WWE Network runs $9.99/mo.

“When we began our exclusive partnership with WWE, we brought WWE’s signature programming ‘Raw’ and ‘SmackDown’ to PPTV and received a great response from WWE fans in China,” said Godfrey Zeng, executive vice president of Suning Sports Media, parent company of PPTV. “In April, we offered ‘WrestleMania’ as a pay-per-view event, and again, our fans responded enthusiastically. We are now launching WWE Network on PPTV and presenting the entire lineup of WWE pay-per-views and other premium content to continue to better serve WWE fans in China.”

“PPTV is a tremendous partner and has been key in helping us engage with WWE fans in China and further establishing our brand in this important market,” added Michelle Wilson, WWE chief revenue & marketing officer. “With this launch, WWE Network is now available in every market, reaching more than 180 countries around the world, delivering all our premium live events and an archive of action-packed, family-friendly entertainment that has thrilled WWE audiences for years.”

WWE Network on PPTV will include “NXT” and “205 Live,” reality shows like “Total Divas,” documentaries, and classic matches from WWE history. PPTV plans to add more than 1,000 hours of content over the next 12 months.

PPTV will also offer its customers premium live events, such as “WrestleMania,” “SummerSlam,” “Royal Rumble” and “Survivor Series” as well as other WWE Network Specials on a pay-per-view basis.

Back in 2016, WWE announced an exclusive multi-year agreement with PPTV to deliver its flagship shows, “Raw” and “SmackDown,” live in Mandarin. This year, “WrestleMania” was made available in China for the first time, also via PPTV.

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