WWE has confirmed a major broadcast update for Clash in Italy, revealing that the first hour of the premium live event will air live on ESPN in the United States before moving exclusively to ESPN Unlimited, with international viewers able to watch on Netflix.

The announcement was made during 5/22 SmackDown, continuing WWE’s evolving distribution strategy for its biggest shows. The format mirrors the approach first introduced at WrestleMania earlier this year, where the opening hour of both nights was made available on cable television before the remainder of the events transitioned to streaming platforms.

Clash in Italy is scheduled for May 31, 2026, and will take place at the Inalpi Arena in Turin, Italy. The event will begin at 8 p.m. local time, which translates to 2 p.m. Eastern Time and 11 a.m. Pacific Time in the United States. The show is part of WWE’s ongoing international expansion strategy, with Europe continuing to serve as a key market for premium live events.

The card for Clash in Italy is already taking shape with several high-profile matches confirmed. Cody Rhodes is set to defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against GUNTHER, while Roman Reigns will face Jacob Fatu in Tribal Combat for the World Heavyweight Championship. Rhea Ripley will defend the WWE Women’s Championship against Jade Cargill, and Brock Lesnar is scheduled to face Oba Femi in a featured singles match.

The decision to air the opening hour on ESPN is expected to provide a wider television audience for the event’s early stages while maintaining the full card as a streaming attraction. WWE continues to experiment with hybrid broadcast models as it balances traditional television exposure with digital streaming growth.

Clash in Italy marks one of WWE’s most significant international shows of the year, with multiple championship bouts and major storyline developments expected to headline the Turin event.

First Hour of WWE Clash in Italy to Air on ESPN

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