Is Brand Split In WWE Coming To An End In 2021?

With the Draft 2021 continuing around the WWE programming, the talks of ending the brand split have also been ongoing for quite some time. The Extreme Rules 2021 go-home edition of WWE RAW was headlined by SmackDown Superstars The Bloodline which fueled up those talks in a bigger way. (The appearance by Reigns boosted viewership by 7.37% while the key demo rating was up by 13.95%)

The opening match of the show witnessed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns and SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos defeat The New Day – Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, and WWE Champion Big E after interferences came from former WWE Champion Bobby Lashley. Reigns then also won a Triple Threat over Lashley and Big E in the main event of Raw.

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There had been talks of ending the brand split depending on the ratings, especially since the competition has become tougher in recent times. That being said, the plans could involve WWE using more top stars on both brands so that they could boost up the viewership, moving forward.

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WWE is not willing to end the brand split

In an update to the situation, Wrestling Observer Newsletter indicates that the idea of finishing the brand split isn’t something that is being entertained. Top Superstars making appearances on both the brands, is not a strategy that is going to be implemented.

“Not a long-term strategy. Not even a short-term one,” a source said.

Plans could always change, as they often do with WWE creative and given how volatile Vince McMahon’s mind is. But as of this week, they are not planning to use top Superstars on both brands, at least, on a regular basis, and hence the brand split will be intact. Rather it’s likely that WWE will utilize top names to pop up ratings, if and when it’s absolutely necessary. Plus, WWE Draft 2021 is coming up, and planning cross-brand appearances won’t make any sense.

It has been speculated that Roman Reigns may be brought back to RAW in the near future since he put up a dominant performance, this week. But that appeared to be a one-off steak due to the competition from Monday Night Football. WWE has also been teasing Reigns vs. Big E in the champion vs. champion match at the Survivor Series pay-per-view in November. With the brand split being intact, it’s believed the match will happen if Big E remains the champion, until then.