NEW DELHI: World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has officially announced the discontinuation of its home video distribution in Europe. This marks the end of a 36-year tradition that has been synonymous with the Stamford-based promotion.
The decision comes as a response to the shifting preferences of wrestling fans and the dominance of the WWE Network, the company's over-the-top streaming service launched in 2014. Since its inception, the WWE Network has grown to become a comprehensive archive, offering a vast library of shows, premium live events, and original programming.
Despite WWE's continuous production of DVDs and Blu-rays over the past 36 years, physical media has witnessed a decline in significance among fans. The company's decision to discontinue home video distribution in Europe aligns with the broader trend in the entertainment industry, where streaming services have become the primary mode of content consumption.
The move follows the expiration of WWE's licensing agreement with Fremantle, the entity responsible for distributing DVDs and Blu-rays in the UK.
The final European release under this agreement will be the 2023 Crown Jewel Premium Live Event, featuring the headline match between Roman Reigns and LA Knight. The DVD is scheduled for release on December 18 in the UK and December 22 in Germany.
After the release of the Crown Jewel event, WWE will cease the production and distribution of physical media stock in Europe. This announcement signifies WWE's commitment to adapting to the changing preferences of its audience and embracing the digital era of entertainment consumption.
