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WWE shuts down network in Russia, joining Netflix, others in business sanctions

WWE announced Thursday it was ending its partnership with a Russian broadcaster and shutting down its operations in the country.

>> Russia attacks Ukraine: Live updates

The decision comes in the wake of Russia’s continued attack on Ukraine.

“The move eliminates access in Russia to any WWE programming, including the company’s weekly ‘Raw’, ‘Smackdown’ and ‘NXT’ shows, its on demand library, and all of its premium live events, including ‘WrestleMania 38,’” WWE said in a statement.

WWE had partnered with Match TV since early 2020, Reuters reported.

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Netflix, fashion retailer H&M, and the technology company Oracle have also either cut ties with or paused their business in Russia because of the country’s attack on Ukraine, Reuters reported.

>> Here’s the list: Companies pulling out of Russia

In addition to pausing their projects in Russia, Netflix is also not carrying the 20 Russian propaganda channels they are required to host under Russian law, Variety reported. A spokesperson told Variety, “Given the current situation, we have no plans to add those channels to our service.”