Add as a preferred source on Google WWE Clash in Italy will have part of its broadcast air on ESPN in the United States, continuing WWE’s new strategy for premium live events beyond a streaming-only model.
During this Friday’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown, the company announced that the first hour of the event will air on ESPN. The full show will remain available on ESPN Unlimited.
Clash in Italy will take place Sunday, May 31, at Inalpi Arena in Turin, Italy. It will be the first premium live event in WWE history to be held in the country.
The move follows the same model used for Backlash, when the first hour of the premium live event aired on ESPN2 and drew 998,000 viewers from 6 to 7 p.m. ET, according to data released by Wrestlenomics.
The event’s card already includes Roman Reigns defending the World Heavyweight Championship against Jacob Fatu in a Tribal Combat match, as well as Cody Rhodes against Gunther for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Brock Lesnar has also challenged Oba Femi to a rematch at the show.
Rhea Ripley also accepted Jade Cargill’s challenge for a rematch for the WWE Women’s Championship.