WWE had to deal with a massive problem in recent memory with the fallen TV ratings. This particular thing worries Vince McMahon a lot since he owes to the host networks. For now, the NBC hosted platform USA Network broadcasts both Monday Night Raw and Smackdown Live. But soon a more mainstream network of Fox Sports will channelize Smackdown.
Charlotte Flair Breaks Kayfabe, Names Becky Lynch Her Best Friend!
Wild Card Rule To Cost Big Problem In WWE Schedule
Hence both these networks pushed WWE to keep the TV ratings up as early as possible leading a big announcement from the company. Vince McMahon introduced us with the Wild Card rule on Monday Night Raw. This rule will allow four RAW wrestlers to show up on SmackDown and four SmackDown wrestlers to show up on Raw on a one-time basis.
Paige Wants To Become A Hollywood Actress!
It was a desperate try to invest the WWE audience to the program and thereby to pull up the viewership as much as they can. The initial effect was moderate as both Raw and Smackdown witnessed a significant rise in terms of ratings. However, there are several doubts whether this Wild Card rule could help out WWE in a long-term run.
This would leave the company with no option but to call the brand split a quite merging both the brands. Slice Wrestling reported stating that WWE has to maintain decent TV ratings ahead of the move up for October towards Fox Sports. In case, the wild card rule seems not working then there will be no option left but to demolish the barrier between WWE Raw and Smackdown.
Here’s the statement carried by wwfoldschool.com,
“According to Slice Wrestling, if this wild card rule fails to increase viewership for RAW and SmackDown (which could quite possibly be the case), then WWE could officially end the brand split as many people within WWE believe that the brand split is no longer effective in sustaining fans’ interest.”
As you can see above, the brand split is not that much effective, as per what the WWE officials have the view. If the wild card rule fails, the only option remains is to bring all the superstars under one wing to produce the best product available for WWE TV. Otherwise, it will be tough for them to cope up in a mainstream network like Fox Sports who already wanted more big names on Smackdown.
