One of the biggest topics coming out of this week’s professional wrestling is WWE Raw could possibly be getting back edgier content. The program is reportedly moving with a TV-14 rating instead of the ongoing PG-TV ratings which may allow them to deliver content much similar to the Attitude of Ruthless Aggression Era.
But then there’s the question of how much WWE Raw will be able to deliver to the expectations given that the show has meant to cater to all forms of audiences throughout the world. In an update about the situation, Dave Meltzer noted the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter that WWE is yet to officially acknowledge the change in direction of the flagship programming, but a source within the company confirmed that it is a decision taken through the USA Network.
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A memo for the change from TV-PG to TV-14 came from USA Network executives and this also indicates the same. Meltzer further noted that it’s highly unlikely that WWE Raw will eventually be reverted to having bloody matches or bra & panties-like content. It would rather have incorporated more profanity-filled language used on TV that has been barred for a long time throughout the PG era.
Not much content change expected on WWE Raw
According to Fightful Select, the memo being circulated at the USA Network regarding this change is something premature and this change may not be effective starting next week. WWE Raw should take its time to change the contents for at least a few weeks.
Also, this source also noted that this rating change might not result in different content and bigger expectations should disappoint the fans,
“For those expecting a significant content adjustment might end up being disappointed.
While NXT has racier content regularly, it’s still rated TV-PG, and the content that airs is still up to the creator itself.
Unlike MPAA for movies or ESRB for video games, cable television shows aren’t required to meet a certain standard in order to retain TV-PG status, or move to TV-14 status.
For instance, WWE could have very well self-rated WWE RAW at TV-PG during the Attitude Era with so oversight ramifications.”
Andrew Zarian of WrestleVotes who originally broke the news also noted the matter by saying that the memo was sent out prematurely, and the day for the shift from TV-PG to TV-14 is yet to be determined. That change “is still in consideration for a later date.” Hence, we’ll have to wait and see how things are going to change around WWE Raw in due course.
