What do you get when NextVR, the leader in broadcasting live events in virtual reality, and WWE partner? Unique WWE experiences featuring up-close action highlights from select 2018 WWE special events.
Approximately 10 minutes in length and free to fans worldwide on a new WWE channel within the NextVR app following each event, the VR spots will highlight fans’ excitement, the athleticism of WWE’s superstars, pivotal moments, epic showdowns and surprise appearances.
“WWE is amazing in VR, and we know fans are going to love it,” stated David Cole, NextVR CEO. “Our patented VR broadcasting pipeline will bring fans ringside with WWE Superstars to experience the electrifying energy and spectacle firsthand.”
BREAKING #VR NEWS: NextVR and @WWE are teaming up to bring you toe-to-toe with the Superstars! Get RINGSIDE in virtual reality. #WWEinVR https://t.co/bBzbcYZyNf pic.twitter.com/QUB9QDAZ1p
— NextVR (@nextvr) January 9, 2018
“We are always looking to create compelling content across platforms, and we are excited to partner with NextVR to bring our fans closer to the action than ever before,” said Michelle Wilson, WWE Chief Revenue & Marketing Officer. “As the technology behind virtual reality continues to evolve, this is a unique opportunity for us to partner with NextVR, a leader in this space, to provide new experiences to our passionate fans around the world.”
As WWE’s Chief Strategy and Financial Officer George Barrios told Cheddar from CES, the partnership is in line with WWE’s bigger goal to “superserve our biggest fans in a variety of different ways…. you will be in the ring with WWE’s superstars. I’ve used it with a (Google) Daydream View (VR headset). It’s absolutely incredible.”
Want to feel like you are in the ring with @WWE superstars? WWE's Chief Strategy & Financial Officer George Barrios discusses the the virtual reality partnership with @NEXTVR. #CheddarLIVE pic.twitter.com/NiL7uxdxiR
— Cheddar (@cheddar) January 9, 2018
NextVR launched in 2009 and its parners include the NBA, NFL, FOX Sports, Live Nation and the International Champions Cup. Its expertise is helping brands and programmers with 3D stereoscopic imaging, compression technology and VR broadcasting.
Investors include Time Warner, Comcast, Stephen Ross’s RSE Ventures, Mandalay Entertainment CEO Peter Guber, Madison Square Garden and Dick Clark Prods.
WWE will produce six VR experiences this year in partnership with NextVR. Wilson told Variety, “It’s an incredible fan engagement opportunity. We’re going to provide these amazing, oh-my-god moments in VR.”
VR content might become part of the WWE Network internet-subscription service in the future, and Wilson added, “If our fans want a VR or [augmented reality] experience, we will be there.”
Danny Keens, NextVR’s VP of content said of creating jaw-dropping experiences in VR for fans, “It’s something you can’t see or experience on television. WWE and VR is a match made in heaven.”
The test footage NextVR has shot with WWE is “by far the most compelling VR content I’ve seen,” he added. “You feel like you can reach out and touch the WWE superstars.”
NextVR’s app is available on Samsung Gear VR headsets, Google Daydream View, Sony’s PlayStation VR and Microsoft’s Windows Mixed Reality platform.
It’s exciting news for WWE’s global fan base—its programming reaches more than 650 million homes worldwide in 20 languages as the first 24/7 over-the-top premium network currently available in more than 180 countries.
For NextVR, this leverages its experience with sports brands, including its VR partnership with the NBA:
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