WWE Network Launching in Japan Starting January 2016

WWE takes pride in the WWE Network, as it is currently accessible in more than 175 countries. Just recently, the Network became available in India, a market very rich with fans. Expansion is key for the company in order to continue their goal as a powerhouse in the wrestling industry.

WWE might have outdone themselves, as they announced today that the WWE Network will be launching in Japan. Starting January 5^th, 2016, The Land of the Rising Sun will be able to receive the Network, starting with a free trial. After that, fans can pay the standard $9.99 a month for the subscription. WWE’s Chief Strategy & Financial Officer, George Barrios, stated in a press release on WWE’s website the following:

“Japan is strategically important for WWE given our passionate and engaged fan base in the market. The global expansion of WWE Network is critical to the continued growth of our brand internationally.”

The expansion into Japan is a huge deal for the company, as there are over 126 million citizens in the country. Japan also has a huge market of wrestling fans, while also producing companies like New Japan Pro Wrestling, Dragon Gate, All Japan Pro Wrestling, Pro Wrestling Noah, among others. WWE was recently there for their Beast in the East special, where we saw the return of Brock Lesnar overseas, and where Finn Balor won the NXT Title against Kevin Owens in a great match.

httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_VCdjPCa7k&feature=s2lp&annotation_id=pfc%3AN_VCdjPCa7k&src_vid=IWQiXN2yVmU

With rating struggles recently, and the stock of the company not doing well, WWE is taking a huge gamble with the move. However, there is a huge chance this will be successful financially for the company. Come January, WWE will have to wait and see how the Network performs. This could be the breaking ground for new potential markets waiting to get their hands on the WWE Network.