Hulu Plus to Add WWE Content Day After Airing

It is an exclusive smackdown for subscribers of the over-the-top subscription service Hulu Plus. WWE wrestling fans will experience the on-demand formats of popular wrestling shows like Raw and Smackdown the day after they air on cable stations. This may sound like headline news, but Hulu and WWE have been working together for some time on the free ad-based side of the service airing old episodes. This recently penned deal adds another dimension to streaming for those looking to see their favorite WWE stars in competition.

The deal with Hulu Plus is the WWE's attempt to enter the digital marketplace. Presently, the only viewers with access to current shows from them must pay for cable service. The deal with Hulu Plus opens up the market to a completely new universe of watchers. Even those unable to access the USA Network or Syfy can see the mainstream offerings from the WWE. The wrestling association, however, states their decision is not about making more money. WWE chairman Vince McMahan claims they simply want to make their fans happy by offering another layer of viewing options.

Hulu Plus currently lists over 2.7 million subscribers willing to pay the small fee to access cable shows in high definition on a variety of Internet ready devices. The main consideration for the WWE may not be money, but that doesn’t mean they will not see some revenue from this deal. WWE is slated to collect on both advertising and subscription fees for their high rated wrestling programs through the Hulu Plus service.