WWE Network One of Many Reasons for Downfall of Raw, SmackDown

There are many things wrong with WWE Raw and SmackDown but the WWE Network may be one of the biggest reasons.

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When it debuted in 2014, the WWE Network became an immediate game-changer. It made their pay-per-views obsolete, offered a vault of years of programming and created the ability to make new, original content that could only be seen on the network.

Unfortunately, this over-the-top-service has hurt WWE’s cable network programs in the process.

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Most fans know by now that the ratings for Raw and SmackDown has been abysmal. Raw viewership has set record lows that date back to the mid-1990’s when WWE was a real-life cartoon show. SmackDown has been no better. The blame has been placed on WWE Creative for not producing quality storylines for fans to get invested in. However, an argument can be made that the problem is rooted even further with the WWE Network causing the problems for Raw and SmackDown.

Since the network was created, WWE has looked to tag it as a service where “anything can happen.” While this is a smart idea to try to gain subscribers, it has turned Raw and SmackDown into shows where “a limited amount can happen.” All the memorable moments have been saved for pay-per-views and live specials, taking away meaning from the TV shows. While it’s understandable for WWE to make the network a bigger priority, it doesn’t mean those highlights can’t exist on Raw and SmackDown. When was the last time the top title changed hands on TV?

If WWE wants to make Raw a must-watch show (SmackDown will always play second fiddle), maybe something as drastic as a WWE World Heavyweight Championship change may need to happen. The scenario would be Sheamus cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase on Seth Rollins to become champion. Would it be a popular decision among fans? No, but something has to be done to draw back viewers in a quick scoop.

As noted above, the storylines have been a big problem for WWE. They are producing watered down, repetitive plots that loses the interest of fans. Unfortunately, this is also a product of the WWE Network. Since the service is only $9.99 per month, WWE doesn’t need to sell the fans as much on watching their PPVs. The days of going all-out to convince fans to spend $50-60 on a show are over and therefore, so is producing quality TV shows that existed for about a decade.

The WWE Network is one of many reasons causing the downfall of Raw and SmackDown, but can also be argued as the root of the problem.

You can follow Rob Wolkenbrod on Twitter @RealRobWolkey. If you would like to send a report from a live event, email us at robert.wolkenbrod@gmail.com.

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