Opinion: Why a return to dual-branded pay per views is a bad idea
The latest WWE brand split isn't even two years old yet, and if the latest rumors are true, it might not last much longer, and that is not a good thing.
According to the latest rumors, WWE is planning to change how pay per views are done after WrestleMania 34, and all PPVs from that point forward will become dual branded. This also comes on the heels of an announcement late last year that the Money in the Bank PPV would become dual branded in 2018.
That is understandable because Money in the Bank for just one brand made little sense to begin with, and it makes the match itself less predictable since instead of one clear cut winner, it's wide open with both brands involved. However, dual-branded pay per views for anything else besides Money in the Bank and the big-four is a terrible idea.
Firstly, with dual branded PPVs, it will make it harder for low to mid-card talents to get on the show. As it stands currently, guys like Tye Dillinger, Mike Kanellis, Breezango, Heath Slater, Rhyno, and others have had a hard enough time making the cut for these shows.
Even the Usos were relegated to pre-show matches last year. Now, if you combine both brands for every show, the guys will be lucky to get on the pre-show matches. With each show having its own brand PPV, at least they have a chance to get on the pre-show or even the main card. With dual branded PPVs that may not be the case anymore, which is sad for those guys.
Another reason why dual branded PPVs returning a bad idea is that it will minimize, at least in some fans eye, the meaning and prestige of the WWE Championship. Dual branded pay per views will affect all of the titles, and it will be interesting to see which titles will make the main card and which ones will be relegated to the pre-show. However, I feel that the WWE Championship will take the biggest hit.
During that last combined branded era, the World Heavyweight Championship, which is now the WWE Championship, always played second fiddle to the WWE Championship, which is now the Universal Championship. The World Heavyweight Championship would even open up some shows, such as WrestleMania 27. If dual branded PPVs return, expect the WWE title, and Smackdown in general, to take a backseat to RAW and the Universal Title.
The one good thing about a return to dual branded PPVs is that it will limit their number per month and subsequently throughout the year. This is a good thing because two PPVs in a month is a bit too much, and there is already too much WWE programming. Hence, cutting back on PPV's is a plus, but the negatives to this certainly outweigh the good.