Today, it was announced that WWE has entered into a media rights collaboration with ABEMA in Japan. Starting this October, ABEMA platforms will exclusively stream WWE content in Japan. These platforms will feature Raw, SmackDown, NXT, as well as WWE’s premium live events.
Starting on Tuesday, October 3, Raw will be broadcast every Tuesday night at 8 pm local time. SmackDown will follow suit, occupying a comparable timeslot by airing every Saturday evening at 8 pm local time. Fans will also have the flexibility to access both shows on-demand. Additionally, WWE has mentioned that viewers in Japan can enjoy NXT programming on-demand through ABEMA Video.
Announcement:
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.