Vince On TV Companies Possibly Dropping WWE PPV, Why They Didn't Do Pay Channel Model

The Los Angeles Times has an article about WWE's Network announcement. They note that WWE was looking it creating a pay channel model similar to HBO and Showtime, but Vince McMahon felt that the terms pay-TV distributors wanted in return for carrying the WWE Network were "too restrictive." WWE had deals ready to go with major distributors for a network that would have generated fees of 20 cents per month, per subscriber. Vince said he would not sign it "to the chagrin" of his staff.

Regarding cable and satellite providers continuing to carry WWE pay-per-view events, Vince said:

"I think it'd be foolish for them not to want to carry the pay-per-view anymore. It's found money for them."

As noted last night, DirecTV representatives confirmed to The Los Angeles Times that they could drop WWE pay-per-views.

"Clearly we need to quickly re-evaluate the economics and viability of their business with us, as it now appears the WWE feels they do not need their PPV distributors," DirecTV said in a statement, adding that the audience for its events "has been steadily declining, and this new low-cost competitive offering will only accelerate this trend."

Sources: The Los Angeles Times