WWE Secures New Media Rights Deal In Japan

WWE have announced that they have secured a new media rights deal in Japan, with Raw and SmackDown set to broadcast free-to-air with Japanese language commentary, starting in October.

The deal was announced via the following press release in Tokyo Sports:

“Raw and SmackDown will both broadcast free-to-air in Japan every week with Japanese commentary immediately following first broadcast in the U.S., for the first time ever. Starting with Raw on Tuesday, October 3 (and every Tuesday night at 8pm local time) and SmackDown on Saturday, October 7 (and every Saturday night at 8pm local time), both weekly shows will also be available to watch on-demand. The new agreement will also see NXT available to watch on-demand in Japan via ABEMA Video.

“Additionally, all WWE Premium Live Events will air exclusively live on ABEMA, with all past editions of WrestleMania available to view on-demand via ABEMA Video beginning October 1.”

One of ABEMA’s ambassadors is WWE Hall of Famer Keiji Mutoh, with the NJPW legend stating he’ll be involved in a special broadcast on the network covering the deal on September 29.

H/T: F4WOnline