WWE SHUTS DOWN WWE NETWORK IN RUSSIA

STAMFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– WWE released the following statement today:

“WWE has terminated its partnership with Russian broadcaster Match and shut down WWE Network in Russia effective immediately.

The move eliminates access in Russia to any WWE programming, including the company’s weekly RAW, SmackDown and NXT shows, its on-demand library, and all of its premium live events, including WrestleMania 38.”

The Russian broadcaster Match TV is a federal public channel owned by Gazprom Media. It also owns a raft of staunchly pro-Kremlin outlets and other publications.

Other sports and entertainment companies have also begun cutting ties with Russia amid the country’s invasion of Ukraine. FIFA has said ahead of the World Cup qualifying playoffs that it will prevent any national-team games from taking place on Russian soil. It will also forbid Russia from competing under its own flag or using the Russian national anthem.