WWE Network announces free preview week

In part of the ongoing push to boost the ranks of WWE Network subscribers, the company has announced a free week of programming to anyone who isn't already a paying customer.

Rumors have been swirling that the numbers aren't good - Geno brought news yesterday that even their most successful original programming and an old favorite whose return had been highly anticipated will probably fall victim to budget cuts being made to offset projected losses.  With both the end of original subscribers six month commitment and their regularly scheduled quarterly financial reporting coming up in August, Vince McMahon and company are undoubtedly hoping that giving away a week will hook a bunch of folks who have been on the fence about committing $9.99 per month for the streaming service.

Unlike the initial preview month, the company isn't asking for payment information in advance.  That's probably an effort to eliminate one more objection that potential subscribers might have.

Here's a portion of the press release:

Beginning today, WWE Network is offering fans a Free Preview through Monday, July 14 at midnight PT. No payment information will be collected in order to participate in the Free Preview. Fans can visit www.WWE.com/FreePreview to sign up for a WWE.com account and gain access to WWE Network during the Free Preview. WWE.com account holders who have not yet signed up for WWE Network can use their existing login credentials to gain access.

Launched on February 24, 2014, WWE Network offers all 12 WWE pay-per-views live including WrestleMania and SummerSlam, plus every past WWE, WCW and ECW pay-per-view as part as the vast, one-of-a-kind, video-on-demand library which consists of more than 2,000 hours of content. In addition, WWE Network provides weekly, original programming with Raw Pre-Show, Raw Backstage Pass, Main Event Live and NXT and is currently re-airing season one of the wildly popular E! reality show, Total Divas, every Thursday night.

Programming highlights include replays of past PPVs like WrestleMania 30 and Money in the Bank 2014, a sneak peek at WWE Network's new original series The Monday Night War, weekly in-ring programming including NXT and WWE Main Event, original series Legends House and WWE Countdown and specials and documentaries with fan favorite Superstars, Divas and Legends including Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Ultimate Warrior, The Rock, CM Punk and Daniel Bryan.

Anyone who hasn't taken the plunge going to get lured in by seven free days?  Is the offer a bad sign, or just shrewd business?