WWE has a vast and complex history, with many events happening simultaneously. Previously, their archives were available on the WWE Network but have since moved to Peacock, though that arrangement may change soon.
Sean Ross Sapp from Fightful Select reported that Peacock’s contract to host WWE content will expire at the end of 2026. This raises questions about where the footage will be available afterward.
Reports indicate that WWE has reached out to Peacock several times regarding the future of the archive but has yet to receive a response. However, insiders have shared expectations for what might happen next.
Sources suggest that WWE is likely to distribute much of the content through YouTube and their own WWE Vault channel. WWE’s strong presence on YouTube is being viewed as a factor in potential discussions with Google.
That said, insiders do not expect WWE to post its entire archive online. The company is pleased with how the Vault channel is performing financially and sees it as a way to grow viewership. No major changes to the Vault channel are anticipated, apart from possibly adding more content.
The WWE Network divided rights for NXT, documentaries, and premium live events to generate revenue. Meanwhile, the archive is bundled with premium live events and Saturday Night Main Event in the Peacock deal, which is set to expire soon. This complicated setup can be confusing for fans who want to explore the archives.
WWE officials have said the archive wasn’t as central to the Peacock deal as many fans believed, and it wasn’t expected to bring in a large rights fee on its own. Another source mentioned that WWE would consider reasonable offers for the archive but will continue exploring YouTube if no suitable deal emerges.
Fans will have to wait and see what becomes of WWE’s archives in the future. While not everyone watches older matches daily, it’s important to know where to find this content.
What are your thoughts on WWE’s new contract situation and the future of the archives? Should WWE return to the $9.99/month WWE Network model? Share your opinions in the comments.
Fan Take: This news matters to WWE fans because it highlights ongoing uncertainty about how classic matches and events will be accessed in the future. The way WWE manages its archives could impact fans’ ability to relive key moments and affect how the sport’s legacy is preserved and shared.
