Vince Russo, who served as WWE’s head writer in the late 1990s, recently spoke about the company’s challenges in managing multiple broadcasting partners. With the WWE Draft 2025 approaching, Russo highlighted an increasing rivalry between ESPN and Netflix over the rights to WWE’s top stars, sparking questions about how the wrestling organization’s content will be distributed on these platforms.
Currently, WWE’s premium live events are available internationally on Netflix, while ESPN has secured rights to air these shows within the United States. Weekly programming consists of WWE RAW on Netflix, SmackDown on USA Network, and NXT on The CW, creating a complex web of broadcasting channels for WWE fans across various regions.
Vince Russo’s Perspective on WWE’s Broadcasting Strategy
In an interview on Sportskeeda Wrestling’s podcast Writing With Russo, hosted by Dr. Chris Featherstone, Vince Russo expressed concerns about WWE’s strategy of servicing several networks simultaneously. He suggested this approach could lead to conflicts over content rights between ESPN and Netflix as both platforms seek exclusive access to WWE’s marquee talent.
“Bro, I’m telling you, they’ve created a problem with themselves by serving so many masters, and there’s gonna be conflict,” Russo said. “Netflix is gonna start wondering why is so-and-so, why is ESPN getting this, and then ESPN’s gonna want [certain content]. It’s gonna run into a problem, bro. There’s no question about it.”
Russo proposed that the WWE Draft could evolve into a contest between ESPN and Netflix themselves, drafting their preferred wrestlers to each platform, potentially eliminating disputes over who has rights to specific performers.
“Let these companies draft their own rosters because then they can’t complain. If I was the head writer, that’s what I would say. Do a regular draft, let them draft who they want. Now none of them can complain, and as a booker we’ll figure it out.”
The annual WWE Draft typically involves distributing RAW, SmackDown, and NXT wrestlers among the company’s brands for the coming year. The 2025 draft has not yet taken place as WWE remains aligned with multiple broadcasters across its programming.
How WWE Views Its Relationships With Broadcasting Partners
Vince Russo reflected on WWE’s historical and current relationships with its broadcast partners, noting that in previous decades WWE positioned itself as more important than the networks hosting its programming. During the eras when RAW aired on USA Network between 1993 and 2000 and again from 2005 to 2024, WWE’s status was perceived as dominant.
He believes WWE currently holds a similar attitude towards ESPN and Netflix, considering the WWE brand to be larger than these networks despite being dependent on them for content distribution.
“Bro, I’m telling you, I think that they honestly and truly believe the WWE brand was bigger than FOX, the WWE brand is bigger than ESPN, and the WWE brand is bigger than Netflix. I honestly believe that they think that because of the relationship they had with USA Network for so many years. I think they think they are bigger than all those companies.”
This perceived superiority may contribute to ongoing tensions and the complicated dynamics between WWE and its multiple broadcast partners.
Context on WWE’s Broadcast Landscape and Creative Challenges
ESPN’s involvement with WWE is relatively recent when compared to WWE’s long-term partnership with USA Network. Meanwhile, Netflix offers international fans access to premium live events and weekly shows, expanding WWE’s reach outside the United States. However, this leads to fragmented viewership and potential conflicts over content allocation between ESPN and Netflix.
Vince Russo’s commentary points to a fundamental challenge in WWE’s creative and business strategy: balancing the needs and demands of these powerful networks while maintaining cohesive storytelling and clear content rights. Russo’s suggestions about allowing broadcast partners to draft their own rosters evoke a potential shift that could transform how WWE manages talent distribution and network deals.
Implications for WWE’s Future Programming and Brand Management
The unfolding competition between ESPN and Netflix over WWE content at the time of the 2025 draft could have significant effects on the company’s programming strategies. If networks begin selecting which wrestlers to showcase, WWE might face a segmented brand identity or more rigid contracts tied to each platform.
This situation also signifies increased negotiation complexity, as WWE must balance maintaining creative control while satisfying the demanding broadcast agreements. How WWE navigates this tension may determine its future growth and ability to retain its fan base across multiple channels.
Looking Ahead: What the WWE Draft 2025 Might Reveal
With the 2025 draft pending, the outcomes may clarify how WWE will address its partnerships with ESPN and Netflix going forward. Vince Russo’s perspective suggests that rather than a simple roster reshuffle, the draft could become a defining moment representing broader market competition between media giants. The resolution of these conflicts will be crucial for WWE’s brand coherence, fan engagement, and overall business strategy in the coming years.
