WWE Wants The CMLL Library

[Jack-Hammer]

Earlier this summer, Uncle Dave reported that there were meetings scheduled to take place between officials from WWE and CMLL. Originally, the reports fueled speculation about some sort of talent exchange between the two but new information coming out suggests it's about the inclusion of CMLL content being featured on the WWE Network. Reportedly, WWE wishes to purchase access to CMLL's video library and that this content could be introduced under the long expected tiered pricing system that's been rumored for to be happening for a few years but looks to be almost ready to happen.

The wording of how this report read was strange in that it was stated WWE wanted to buy access to the library which means, I'm guessing, that CMLL isn't going to sell its video library outright. CMLL is the oldest promotion out there, it's been around since 1933 I'd imagine they have thousands upon thousands of hours of programming recorded. Personally, the lucha style isn't for me in big doses. A match or two can be a lot of fun but an entire card of wrestling packed with various flips, suicide dives, planchas and what have you just gets old to me really quick.

[FunKay]

The other major issue with this is that New Japan have a partnership/working relationship with CMLL. So its a bit of a conflict of interest. Indeed, you'd think CMLL would liscense their library to New Japan and NJPW World if anything. Its less exposure, but it doesn't mess up a major revenue stream and partnership that already preexists.

I know WWE are desperate to launch the tiered system because they've got Brit-wres content in the form of PROGRESS and ICW ready to go, but the UK scene is they biggest market WWE has outside of the North American area, and by a large way. They'd do better with maybe investing in NOAH or something like that in Japan I feel to try and get a foothold in that market or even All Japan? Lord knows those companies need the exposure. I imagine the E' will probably try consolidating its European ties with companies like OTT and wXw who they seem to have a so-so relationship with. Maybe one continent at a time? Y'know, if you're gonna treat the international wrestling scene like Risk, you might as well follow its rules?

[mrluck_07]

Wasn't aware that NJPW had a relationship w/ CMLL. Very fitting that two of the oldest promotions work together though.

[Psykohurricane]

Also i feel like Since WWE did work With CMLL in the past, they might want to secure the right to some of the stuff they did with them in the mid 90's, plus it's probably will be easier for them to negotiate some sort of deal with CMLL since they don't really have a deal with a american promotion so getting their product out there to the international market would be a big advantage for them especially on a platform like WWE network. So i not surprise that WWE is going after them.