SEScoops has parted ways with writer BJ Bethel over his ESPN/WWE report.
Bethel reported that ESPN would not be renewing its deal with WWE.
The story stated: “Multiple sources told SEScoops the deal faced several problems, including the current media market, “culture and synergy” issues between the two companies and the failure of cable providers to pick up the cost of the app for customers.”
Bethel also reported: “There virtually no discussions between the two companies when the app was launched and WWE PLEs began airing on it. That changed recently, with ESPN promoting WWE content, making the PLEs available on lesser tiers and airing the first hour of shows on linear networks, much to the chagrin of sports fans.”
ESPN responded with a statement from ESPN head of communications Ben Cafardo who wrote: “There is no truth to the report that we have decided not to renew. They never checked with us before publishing and had they, we would have told them that was completely false.”
ESPN and WWE signed a $1.6 billion deal in 2025 to air PLEs on ESPN’s new app.
SEScoops has released an update writing: “Yesterday we published a report from BJ Bethel on WWE’s relationship with ESPN. We are retracting that story in its entirety. Before a story like this runs, the subject deserves a direct chance to respond, and that step wasn’t taken to the appropriate standard. Since publication, it’s come to light that this effort fell way short. We ran it and the buck stops with us. We’ve parted ways with Mr. Bethel, have had our verification procedures reviewed by an outside partner, and updated our process as a result.”
Statement on our WWE–ESPN report
Yesterday we published a report from BJ Bethel on WWE’s relationship with ESPN. We are retracting that story in its entirety.
Before a story like this runs, the subject deserves a direct chance to respond, and that step wasn’t taken to the…
— SEScoops (@sescoops) August 26, 2026
Bethel responded oddly saying he had attempted to contact ESPN via the network’s fan support channel online and also left a message on the support phone line but those are general consumer-support avenues not standard channels for media inquiries in any way.
“In fairness I forgot about previous correspondence with Ben in April and his email or I would have contacted him there. I’m also standing by my story,” he also wrote.
I tried contacting ESPN through https://t.co/yJ5rF6wm1G last night. Also left a voice mail on a support phone line. In fairness I forgot about previous correspondence with Ben in April and his email or I would have contacted him there.
I’m also standing by my story. https://t.co/xDtHG2am1V
— B. J. Bethel (@BJBethelTweets) August 25, 2026
