Simone Anderson
Then, Now, Forever, are words that every wrestling fan has seen cross their TV screen. Since 2001, e.TV has been the home of WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) in South Africa, drawing in fans for that hour of enjoyment. Sadly, forever is no longer true.
e.TV has announced that starting September 1, they would stop airing WWE on their channels, choosing not to renew their long standing contract. They have instead chosen to focus on showing local and international drama, as well as comedy and reality shows. WWE programs will be replaced by back-to-back movies on weekends and medical drama House on weekdays.
However fans don’t have to despair as it was announced that SuperSport has decided to sign a multi-year contract and will broadcast WWE programming on their channels. Starting August 28th, SuperSport will not only show Raw and SmackDown but also WWE special events live, along with same day re-runs.
“The athletes involved are larger than life figures who command huge followings. At long last our viewers will get to share in this entertainment spectacle in high definition. I look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with WWE.” said chief executive of SuperSport, Gideon Khobane in a statement.
Raw will air on Tuesdays and SmackDown on Wednesdays on SS4, SS7, SS9 and SS10.
It is a bittersweet moment for WWE fans in South Africa. While WWE will surely be missed on e.TV, fans can look forward to watching it for the first time live and in high definition on SuperSport.
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