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WWE has terminated the relationship with Russian broadcasting partnerships amid Ukraine Invasion
Amid the Russian attack on Ukraine, WWE has ended its broadcasting partnerships in Russia. In addition, the global wrestling company has taken decisive action by shutting down its own Network streaming platform in the country as the invasion from Russia continues.
The company released a statement to determine that the company has terminated its partnership with a Russian broadcaster – Match.
‘WWE has terminated its partnership with Russian broadcaster Match and shut down the Network in Russia immediately. The move also eliminated access in Russia to Russia, including the company’s weekly shows Raw, SmackDown and NXT shows, its on-demand library, and all of its premium live events, including WrestleMania 38.’
The statement also stated that Russian fans won’t be able to watch any of the shows, including RAW, SmackDown which includes the upcoming double header event in Dallas, Texas, on April 2 and April 3.
Many companies like WWE are making similar announcements worldwide like Netflix has paused all projects and acquisitions in Russia. At the same time, Spotify closed in office in Russia, and The Apple company has also banned products in their market. Netflix has previously stated that it had no plans to carry 20 free-to-air channels in Russia that could be required by Russian law. Some of the channels, including news, sports and entertainment, were aligned with Russian authorities.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine last week, Western Governments have urged companies to push back on Putin in one way or the other. It was tweeted by Ukraine’s Vice prime minister that many sanctions were imposed for a faster peace in Ukraine.
SAP and Oracle suspended their services in Russia, and Apple, Google and Twitter are also cutting down business in Russia since the start.
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