WWE’s new deal with ESPN will enable the company’s premium live events to stream on ESPN’s direct-to-consumer platform in the U.S. starting March 2026, with WrestleMania 42 likely being the first event featured under the $1.6 billion agreement. However, some fans are frustrated by having yet another subscription to keep up with WWE content. Former WWE wrestler Bishop Dyer (formerly Baron Corbin) believes this shift presents a chance for AEW to attract viewers due to more affordable pricing.
Dyer mentioned on “Bust Open Radio” that WWE’s move might be pushing fans away, as some are reluctant to pay for 10 premium live events at $30 each per month through ESPN. This situation could prompt fans to look for alternatives like AEW, especially since WWE content might require subscriptions to multiple services like ESPN, Netflix, Peacock, and cable TV, leading to high overall costs. For many families, spending close to $1,000 to attend WWE events or maintain all subscriptions is difficult, making AEW a more accessible and budget-friendly option to follow from home.
Fan Take: This development highlights a growing challenge for WWE fans, who may find it costly and complicated to keep up with all WWE programming. It could open the door for AEW to capitalize on fan frustration and gain a larger audience, potentially shifting the competitive landscape of professional wrestling.
