WWE To Air Live Series On Facebook

The WWE will take its brand of professional wrestling entertainment to Facebook with a live, in-ring weekly series to debut in January, the company announced Wednesday.

The 12-episode series, Mixed Match Challenge, will feature WWE Superstars from both the RAW and SmackDown Live rosters competing in a single-elimination mixed tag-team tournament, said the WWE.

Each 20-minute episode will be optimized for mobile consumption and social interaction, including the ability for fans to engage with WWE Superstars during the show. Fans will also have the opportunity to select match-ups on Facebook, said the WWE.

The storylines for Mixed Match Challenge will continue between episodes across WWE’s Facebook Pages with short-form videos and social content, with the series promoted through a new Facebook Watch show Page dedicated to Mixed Match Challenge.

“As we continue to expand our strategic partnership with Facebook, this new series, Mixed Match Challenge, jointly reflects our innovative approach to content distribution and fan engagement,” said Michelle Wilson, WWE Chief Revenue & Marketing Officer in a statement. “This show will deliver the action and excitement our passionate fan base is accustomed to while offering new production elements and social experiences that only Facebook can provide.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.