World Wrestling To Stream Raw And SmackDown Live In Japan

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.’s (NYSE:WWE) super hit programs Raw and SmackDown will be streamed live for the first time ever in Japan and will be accompanied with Japanese commentary. WWE has signed a multi-year agreement with DAZN, provider of live sports streaming service. However, the financial terms of the deal were kept under wraps.

Per agreement, WWE lovers in Japan can live stream all three hours of Raw as well as two hours of SmackDown on DAZN. Fans can watch Raw on every Tuesday at 9AM, while SmackDown will be available every Wednesday at 9AM. These two shows will also be made available through video on demand for DAZN customers.

The company’s recent initiatives give an indication that it is trying to globalize business. In 2016, WWE had signed a multi-year agreement with China’s digital streaming company, PPTV to air leading shows – Raw and SmackDown – in Mandarin.

Recently, WWE launched its first ever WWE shop, the official online source of WWE merchandise. This is great news for lovers of the sport in India. The fans will be able to place orders for their favorite WWE merchandise like genuine WWE superstar apparel as well as accessories, WWE replica championship titles, console games, trading cards, toys, collectibles on WWEShop.in.

In order to boost WWE Network’s revenues, the company has been implementing certain strategies including the development of fresh content, execution of customer acquisition and retention programs. Moreover, the company is increasing distribution platform, introducing new features and foraying into new locations. Further, WWE Network is available in the Indian Subcontinent, Germany, Austria, Malaysia, Switzerland and Japan.

The Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) company’s shares have underperformed the Zacks categorized Movie/TV Production/Distribution industry in the past six months. The company’s shares have increased 10.5%, while the industry gained 19%. Continuous decline in pay-per-view and home entertainment revenues have been concern for investors.

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