Brit pubs and bars banned from exhibiting WWE as UK wrestling followers launch petition

On Dec 2, 2024

Wrestling fans in the UK have launched a petition weeks before WWE’s huge move to Netflix. The move will signal an end to “watch parties” across the country, where wrestling lovers gather inside pubs and bars to watch WWE’s big monthly Premium Live Events – or PPVs for the older crowd.

And with WWE launching all of its content on Netflix on January 6, it signals an end to the parties as pubs and bars aren’t allowed to show Netflix-streamed content in the way they were allowed to show content on Sky Sports or TNT Sports Box Office in the past.

One of the main organisers of the watch parties, Hooked on Wrestling, announced that their last set of events took place on Saturday with the Survivor Series War Games event, but now fans have launched a petition in a bid to force WWE to act on the issue.

Click for more of the latest news from across the world from the Daily Star.

Netflix doesn't have any agreement with UK pubs or bars (stock) — Netflix doesn’t have any agreement with UK pubs or bars (stock)
(Image: San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)

Paul Benson, owner of HOW, posted on Instagram: “Last night was the last WWE PLE that will air on TNT Sports Box Office in the UK and therefore the last we can run watch parties for. After 11 years, our events are coming to an end.
“Right now, there are no legal ways for Netflix to be aired in bars. We’re trying to have conversations with WWE & Netflix to find a way to continue bringing the UK WWE fan community together but we ask you to help demonstrate the need for these events in the UK.”

And launching the petition, which can be found by clicking here, fan Trev Moulton said: “No longer when someone wins a Royal Rumble or is crowned Champion in the main event of WrestleMania will we see clips on WWE television of partying fans celebrating from viewing parties in bars across the world.

Saturday night's Survivor Series War Games was the last major WWE PLE allowed to be shown in bars and pubs — Saturday night’s Survivor Series War Games was the last major WWE PLE allowed to be shown in bars and pubs
(Image: Getty Images)

“No longer will fans have the choice to watch a WWE event in a venue packed full of like minded fans with the same atmosphere as watching the game or a fight there. No more best dressed WWE themed fancy dressed competitions,

“No more meet and greets with a guest WWE legend from yesteryear, no more hundreds of fans consecutively counting down from 10 every two minutes in a Rumble match,

“No more making new friends at venues from a shared love of wrestling to meet on a monthly basis. Not only that, but also think of the jobs these viewing parties have created over the years and the economical benefits to the local communities by showing them.

The new Netflix deal doesn't allow for streaming of major events — The new Netflix deal doesn’t allow for streaming of major events
(Image: Getty Images)

“Let’s send a message to WWE & Netflix & keep our viewing parties alive and the experience they bring that cannot be replicated from the comfort of a home!”

Content from rival companies All Elite Wrestling and TNA Wrestling can be shown, although only on rare occasions as their major shows are hardly ever streamed on major channels in the UK.

The Daily Star has reached out to WWE and Netflix for a comment.

For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.