WWE Removes All Programming From Russia

WWE has announced that it has terminated its partnership with Russian broadcaster Match and shut down the WWE Network in the country.

In a short press release on March 3rd, WWE announced that they have shut down the WWE Network in Russia and ended their partnership with their broadcasting partner in the country, Match TV. The move is effective immediately.

“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 decision comes as sporting bodies around the world have come under pressure to review their connections with the nation after the invasion of Ukraine.

On March 2nd, the Russian owner of Chelsea Football Club, Roman Abramovich announced that he would be selling the team with the net proceeds going to victims of the war in Ukraine.

The Russian national team have also been banned from all international tournaments going forward while club teams have been suspended from European competition.

A statement from Formula One on March 3rd also announced that Russia will not be able to host a grand prix in the foreseeable future, after cancelling its contract with organisers. The 2022 event had already been cancelled after a meeting of the FIA World Motor Sport Council.