From the WWE Rumor Mill: WWE making huge changes to PPV schedule this year
What’s the story?
On a recent edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it was revealed that the WWE is set to bring about significant changes in its PPVs this year.
Apparently, since the WWE’s PPV brand-split is reportedly coming to an end, the promotional higher-ups seem to be bringing about a few changes in the way the pay-per-view events are presented.
In case you didn’t know…
In July of 2016, the WWE enforced a new brand extension system which has since seen its ‘Big 4’ PPVs (Royal Rumble, Wrestlemania, SummerSlam & Survivor Series) feature Superstars from both brands, whereas the other pay-per-view events of secondary importance are brand-exclusive to either RAW or SmackDown.
As we’d previously reported, the WWE is looking to bring an end to the PPV brand-split, and from May 2018 onwards all WWE PPVs shall feature Superstars from both the RAW and SmackDown brands.
The heart of the matter
It was noted on The Observer that although the decision isn’t official yet, most within the WWE believe that with the PPV brand-split coming to an end, the time duration for which WWE’s secondary PPVs air shall be increased by an hour.
The reason behind the PPVs going from three-hour to four-hour formats, is so as to ensure that all the top Superstars from both the RAW and SmackDown brands receive adequate exposure at the event. Additionally, the PPV events shall feature two matches on the Pre-Show; with the PPV itself being four hours long.
Furthermore, it was emphasised that the WWE will now have both RAW and SmackDown specifically promoting the same PPV every month, and all the top Superstars from both brands will be performing at the PPVs.
What’s next?
The WWE’s PPV brand-split is rumoured to be ending very soon, as the May 6th Backlash PPV is said to be dual-branded.
Nevertheless, the WWE’s next pay-per-view presentation, Elimination Chamber, is RAW brand-exclusive and takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada on February 25th.
Author’s take
The WWE seems to be putting a lot of thought into revamping its PPV shows in 2018.
While the PPVs featuring Superstars from both the red and blue brands isn’t necessarily a bad idea, here’s hoping the brand split doesn’t end as a whole, and RAW Superstars stay put on the red brand, while SmackDown Live features only the blue brand’s Superstars.
There’s only one true free agent in the WWE Universe, and well…You Can’t See Him!