Brit MP calls for authorities steps in to cease Netflix’s WWE British pub ban

On Dec 17, 2024

EXCLUSIVE After the Daily Star reported earlier this month that WWE watch parties in pubs and bars across the UK would end, the government has been urged to get involved to sort it out

19:39, 17 Dec 2024Updated 19:39, 17 Dec 2024

WWE’s Netflix deal could end a UK tradition(Image: Getty Images)

The UK government is being urged to act now to allow British wrestling fans to watch big WWE shows in bars and pubs. WWE’s move to Netflix happens on January 1 which 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 live content on Netflix on January 6, the parties at pubs and bars will end as they are not 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 last month with the Survivor Series War Games event, which saw fans launch a petition in a bid to force WWE to act on the issue.

Mike Reader has in-ring experience(Image: Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)

And now MP Mike Reader – who has taken part in wrestling training in the past and is a diehard wrestling fan – has backed calls for WWE to make a deal with Netflix and the UK’s pub industry.

Speaking to the Daily Star, he said: “ Watching wrestling with friends and fellow fans can be inspiring. It isn’t only a social good but economically important too.

CM Punk might go missing from British pubs and bars(Image: Getty Images)

“I support the campaign to ensure wrestling watch events can continue. I know the issue is being looked at by government officials, and will keep a close eye on this.”

The Daily Star has been told by a government source that the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has been urged to take a leading role on the issue – and the Daily Star has reached out for an official comment, as we also have done to WWE.

We reached out to WWE and Netflix earlier this month, but have yet to hear anything back from either company.

The watch party days could be over (stock)(Image: Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

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Paul Benson, owner of HOW, posted on Instagram earlier this month: “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.”

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