Three ways WWE should implement a rankings system
WWE is known for bringing back aspects of the show just as quickly as they go away. A few weeks ago, WWE sent out a survey that hinted at some potential steps in the future, one of which would include bringing back a rankings system. WWE has tried this in the past, but like many other changes, it went away without any explanation why. If rankings are coming back, here are three ideas that could help the company do something different that is a positive addition to the shows.
Rankings determine title shots
Rankings should play a major role in who gets opportunities at the top of the ladder. All Elite Wrestling has worked this in well, but also faced challenges with making sense of the rankings at the same time. WWE could take a page from combat sports and use rankings to determine which names get title shots and main event booking.
The problem with WWE is that the company consistently struggles to book television with outcomes that matter. That would be a major change from recent practices, but if WWE could pull it off, that would be a big boost in the quality of weekly television.
Get fans involved with the rankings via voting
WWE constantly touts the WWE Universe and encourages their involvement in a variety of ways. Getting them involved with the rankings system through voting would be an interesting wrinkle if they were to be reinstated.
WWE could host a weekly poll where fans would vote who would be ranked where on the ladder. WWE has attempted to do these types of fan votes for PPVs in the past, but it was clear that the company can script the results just like they script everything else. The same would be done here, but it would be another step to getting fans involved with the content.
Compete for rankings across brands
WWE implemented its brand split but rarely adheres to the “rules” around it. Wrestlers randomly appear on different shows, without any explanation to why. One of the latest trends is for names from the main roster to pop up in WWE NXT with the same narrative in place to “show” the younger wrestlers who are in charge. That tactic may create an initial boost but using the rankings to build cross-promotion rivalries is another way they can be used differently in the future.
Imagine if Carmelo Hayes was ranked number six because of his win streak on NXT, but popped up on Monday Night Raw to face off against AJ Styles in pursuit of a higher ranking within WWE? Using rankings to establish cross-promo attraction matches would be an interesting way to introduce names to audiences who may not be aware of them and create new matchups along the way.
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The Internet wars between AEW and WWE will immediately create the idea that WWE is “copying” off AEW if they bring back the rankings, even though the company has used them in the past. However, with some tweaks, WWE could make the rankings have long-term meaning and implications which is the step needed to set WWE content on a better path.