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WWE

WWE terminates deal with Russian broadcaster

WWE put the finishing moves on Russia

By Anthony Farris OutKick
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Following the lead of the NHL, EA Sports and others, the WWE has severed ties with Russia because of the invasion of Ukraine.

In a press release this morning, the WWE announced the decision to immediately end their partnership with Match, a Russian-sports network, and to shut down Russia’s access to WWE Network services.

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"WWE has terminated its partnership with Russian broadcaster Match and shut down WWE Network in Russia effective immediately," the statement reads.

Gone from Russian television are all WWE events including live broadcasts and archival footage. This means that Russians, who have traditionally had a strong interest in the WWE, will not have access to the upcoming WrestleMania 38 event — WWE’s signature pay per view– which is scheduled for April 2nd and 3rd in Dallas.

WWE Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer Michelle Wilson speaks at a news conference announcing the WWE Network at the 2014 International CES at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas on January 8, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

"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 company’s statement added.

WWE’s choice to pull programming out of Russia comes exactly one week after the country invaded Ukraine, despite pleas from countries around the world, including the United States, to refrain from doing so.

WWE Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer Michelle Wilson speaks at a news conference announcing the WWE Network at the 2014 International CES at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas on January 8, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

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Now we eagerly await for the Russians to tap out.