Okay, we know what everyone’s going to say and this is not a hit piece on Drew McIntyre. It’s bringing up the fact that ratings have dropped over the last couple of years.
Obviously, a large reason for that is the pandemic, but is that really an excuse?
With people stuck at home, shows should’ve had a ratings bonanza but the WWE has seen theirs drop from 2.349 million viewers on May 11, 2019 to 1.817 million viewers on May 10, 2021.
During this time, we’ve seen a few title changes as well as some really bad television in general, but historically speaking the champion is supposed to be the main draw and reason fans tune in.
There’s been a few rumors and comments made by Jim Ross and Ryback that the WWE is more concerned with the company being the brand instead of a superstar.
If true, this would mean we won’t see any huge stars like Hulk Hogan, Steve Austin, The Rock, or John Cena again.
And given the WWE’s business model of multiple brands with each having their own championships takes the responsibility and blame as it gets spread around.
Draws no more
It’s easy to point to Drew McIntyre and Roman Reigns as not being draws anymore, but they’re fan favorites more than not, which means the problem lies elsewhere.
It’s extremely difficult for one person to carry a three or two hour show themselves, which means WWE creative and Vince McMahon need to take their share of the blame.
As Eric Bischoff recently pointed out, WWE and AEW are relying mainly on ad revenue from their television contracts. To us, it means they’re trying to fill their time with anything they can to fulfill their requirements.
In this case, it speaks volumes to having to get back on the road with house shows or allow fans to attend to voice their honest opinions about the product, though the ratings are indicative of our feelings.
In many ways, the WWE and Vince McMahon have become too comfortable with the cheers and boos being played over the PA system in the Thunderdome.
It gives them complete control and it’s opened up plenty of possibilities with how fans will react when we get to attend live events and those used to being “cheered” are faced with boos or indifference.
Of course, we expect WWE creative to actually put together coherent storylines instead of treating it like a fantasy game on a game console.
Do you think live events will solve WWE’s creative woes and ratings? Let us know in the comments below.
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