WWE Premium Live Events are not included in YouTube TV's standard channel lineup
YouTube TV carries ESPN, ESPN2, and some regional sports networks, but it does not carry WWE Network or the channels that broadcast WWE Premium Live Events (now called WWE PLE). This means you cannot watch these events through your YouTube TV subscription alone.
However, you have other ways to watch them. WWE Premium Live Events air on Peacock (NBCUniversal's streaming service) if you have a Peacock Premium or Premium Plus subscription. Some events also air on traditional pay-per-view through cable or satellite providers, though this route is less common than it was before WWE moved most events to Peacock.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV does not include WWE Network, Peacock, or the cable channels that show WWE Premium Live Events.
- Peacock Premium or Premium Plus is the main way to watch WWE PLE events, and you would need to add it as a separate subscription.
- Some events may still be available through traditional pay-per-view from cable or satellite providers, though availability varies by provider.
- YouTube TV's sports channels (ESPN, ESPN2) occasionally show WWE programming like Raw or SmackDown, but not the Premium Live Events.
What YouTube TV actually includes for wrestling
YouTube TV gives you access to ESPN, ESPN2, USA Network, and several regional sports channels depending on your location. USA Network sometimes airs WWE Raw or WWE SmackDown episodes, so you can watch weekly wrestling programming through your YouTube TV subscription.
The gap is specifically with Premium Live Events—the marquee shows that WWE promotes heavily, like WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, and SummerSlam. These events moved to Peacock in 2021 as part of WWE's deal with NBCUniversal. YouTube TV has not added Peacock to its channel bundle, so there is no way to watch these events through YouTube TV itself.
How to watch WWE PLE through Peacock instead
Peacock Premium costs about $6 per month with ads, or $12 per month without ads. Peacock Premium Plus (which removes ads and allows offline downloads) costs about $20 per month. You can add Peacock as a standalone subscription separate from YouTube TV—they are different services run by different companies.
Once you have Peacock, WWE Premium Live Events appear in the app's sports section on the day they air. You can watch live or on-demand after the event ends. Peacock also includes WWE's full video library, so you can watch past events and weekly shows whenever you want.
If you already subscribe to Comcast Xfinity or another NBCUniversal service, you may have Peacock included at no extra cost. Check your account to see whether Peacock Premium is already available to you.
Traditional pay-per-view as an alternative
Before Peacock, WWE Premium Live Events were sold through cable and satellite pay-per-view. Some providers still offer this option, though it is becoming less common. If your cable or satellite provider carries WWE events, you would typically pay $60 to $80 per event, and you watch it through your provider's on-demand system or cable box.
This route is more expensive than Peacock and requires you to order each event separately. Most people now use Peacock because a single subscription covers all events for the month, rather than paying per event. Check with your cable or satellite provider to see whether they still offer WWE pay-per-view, since availability varies.
Why WWE moved away from traditional pay-per-view
WWE signed a major deal with NBCUniversal in 2021 that gave Peacock exclusive rights to stream WWE Premium Live Events in the United States. This deal was worth significantly more money to WWE than the old pay-per-view model, so the company shifted all major events to Peacock.
The move also meant WWE stopped selling events through cable and satellite providers' pay-per-view systems, though some providers may still have older events available. Going forward, Peacock is the official streaming home for WWE Premium Live Events in the U.S.
Combining YouTube TV with Peacock for full wrestling coverage
Many wrestling fans use both services together. YouTube TV gives you weekly Raw and SmackDown episodes (usually on USA Network), plus other sports and entertainment channels. Peacock adds the Premium Live Events, the full WWE video library, and NXT programming.
The combined cost is YouTube TV's monthly fee plus Peacock Premium (around $6 to $12 per month). This setup covers most of what a wrestling fan needs, though you would still miss some regional or international events that air elsewhere.
What to do if you want to watch without adding another subscription
If you want to stick with YouTube TV alone and not add Peacock, you can watch weekly Raw and SmackDown episodes when they air on USA Network. You would miss the Premium Live Events, but you would stay current with the weekly storylines.
Some wrestling fans also check whether friends or family members have Peacock and ask to watch the event together, though this depends on your personal situation. Another option is to wait for clips and highlights of Premium Live Events to appear on YouTube or WWE's social media, though this is not the same as watching the full event live.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch WrestleMania on YouTube TV?
No. WrestleMania and all other WWE Premium Live Events are exclusive to Peacock in the United States. You would need to add a Peacock subscription to watch it. YouTube TV does not include Peacock or carry these events.
Does YouTube TV include WWE Network?
No. WWE Network was shut down in 2021 when WWE moved its content to Peacock. YouTube TV does not carry Peacock, so you cannot access WWE's full video library through YouTube TV.
Can I watch Raw and SmackDown on YouTube TV?
Yes, usually. WWE Raw airs on USA Network, and WWE SmackDown airs on Fox or FS1, depending on the week. YouTube TV carries USA Network and FS1 in most areas, so you can watch these weekly shows through your subscription.
Is there a way to watch WWE PLE without paying extra?
Not through YouTube TV. Peacock is the only streaming service in the U.S. that carries WWE Premium Live Events. Some cable or satellite providers may still offer pay-per-view, but that costs more per event than a Peacock subscription.
What if I have Comcast cable—can I watch WWE PLE through that?
Comcast Xfinity customers often have Peacock Premium included with their internet or TV service. Check your Comcast account online or call them to see if Peacock is already available to you at no extra cost. If it is, you can watch WWE Premium Live Events through Peacock.