WWE shook up the programming a bit over the last couple of weeks with some odd contents. The programming of WWE Raw and Smackdown stopped channeling violent contents for a long time now. But they tend to bring those back to give the fans some major shock. The WWE Universe has been talking about these R-rated segments, all over.
Mandy Rose started to bring back the feel of the Attitude and Ruthless Aggression Era, trying to attract Jimmy Uso. She appeared on Smackdown in a towel a couple of weeks ago. Later Alexa Bliss did something unthinkable on this PG TV programming by appearing topless. This might have been the proof that the creative team is willingly hosting such segments.
Reports from ringsidenews.com also suggested the same. They shared their thoughts via Wrestling Observer Radio confirming that more of these segments are coming on WWE TV. Apparently, they are trying to ‘recapture a demographic they might have lost’. It means that the old flavor will be back on the programming where we used to women in an attractive way.
Some of the fans may not like it but WWE is hell-bent to make some changes to the contents. They want to deliver somewhat ‘edgier’ things on a regular basis. So more of these segments will be in-store on both WWE Raw and Smackdown, going forward.
Dave Meltzer noted on the Wrestling Observer Radio that the company is in a war with All Elite Wrestling and Major League Wrestling promotions. They have been extreme threats while signing new talents from the indie scene. TV viewers might also shift to them a bit unless they get something new on WWE Raw and Smackdown. Here’s more on this about the upcoming changes,
“That’s the direction they want to go. Look, it’s the direction that will help ratings, yeah it will. That kind of stuff always works like in the long run, not the short run. Like it won’t help at week one, but that direction will help. It will draw more teenage boys and stuff.”
As you can see, they are looking forward to garnering attention from the young fans. This is why Alexa Bliss is in a different role on TV since she can’t wrestle right now. On the other hand, Mandy Rose will continue dragging the soap opera by seducing Jimmy Uso. The formula for attracting ‘a younger audience or younger men will help sustain the company for years to come’.
This may tarnish the glory that the women’s revolution has earned over the last few years. But then again promotions like Impact Wrestling have gained more viewers by channeling such segments in recent times. It is understandable from WWE’s standpoint as to why these are required on TV, right now.