WWE Is Returning To Freeview TV In The United Kingdom

WWE Raw and Smackdown are making their return to Freeview TV in the United Kingdom for the first time in 19 years with Channel 5.

Vince McMahon's company recently signed a bumper deal with BT Sport and it's emerged that weekly highlights will also be shown on Channel 5.

Starting on February 2, Channel 5 will air a one-hour version of Monday Night Raw every Sunday at 10:30am, with a one-hour edition of Friday Night SmackDown available every Saturday in the same time slot.

NXT UK will also be available for free via Paramount Network each Wednesday from 12am as well as Channel 5's streaming service 'My5'.

This will be the first time since 2001 that WWE has been on Freeview TV.

WWE have recently ended their 25 year partnership with Sky Sports to join BT Sport who are happy to let fans catch up on all the key action for free.

Vice President and General Manager for WWE UK & Ireland Andy Walkman has described the move as a 'significant step' for the company.

"Bringing highlights of our flagship programming to free-to-air television for the first time in the UK with Channel 5 is a significant step for the WWE brand, and more great news for our passionate fanbase in the UK."

Channel 5's VP of Commercial, Digital and Operations James Tatam also commented with:

"WWE has strong appeal throughout the UK and across generations so we're very excited to be bringing their high-quality entertainment to an even bigger free-to-air audience in the UK."

The start date is a perfect time for fans to jump in with Wrestlemania just over two months away.

What do you think of WWE making a return to Freeview TV?

Sound off in the comments below.