Transcribed

How WWE's Fumbled Booking Threaten to Tarnish New Broadcast Deals (ep.873)

Sep 5, 2024 · 54m 5s
How WWE's Fumbled Booking Threaten to Tarnish New Broadcast Deals (ep.873)
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WWE's Current Strategy: Catering to the Arena, Not the Home Viewer. WWE seems to be prioritizing the in-person fan experience over expanding its television audience. The company's current storytelling and...

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WWE's Current Strategy: Catering to the Arena, Not the Home Viewer. WWE seems to be prioritizing the in-person fan experience over expanding its television audience.

The company's current storytelling and character development are geared towards generating excitement and reactions from those attending live events, often at the expense of creating engaging narratives for viewers at home.

Evidence of this strategy:
* No over-the-top storylines and characters: Current WWE storylines are often exaggerated and rely heavily on shock value and nostalgia, rather than nuanced character development and long-term storytelling. This approach can generate immediate reactions from a live audience, but can feel disjointed and confusing for viewers at home who may not be familiar with every reference or character.
* Focus on in-arena moments: WWE's television broadcasts now often feature segments that are clearly designed for the live audience, such as extended crowd interactions, impromptu promos, and surprise appearances. While these moments can be thrilling for those in attendance, they can disrupt the flow of the show for viewers at home, making it difficult to follow the overarching narrative.
* Lack of character depth: Many WWE characters currently lack depth and motivation, making it difficult for viewers to invest in their stories. The focus seems to be on creating larger-than-life personas that will elicit a strong reaction from the crowd, rather than developing well-rounded characters with relatable struggles and aspirations.
Broadcast changes and their implications:
* Netflix deal: While the recent deal with Netflix to air NXT could potentially introduce WWE to a new audience, the current focus on catering to the live audience may not translate well to a streaming platform where viewers are more likely to binge-watch and expect a more coherent storyline.
* CW and USA Network: The move of SmackDown to the CW Network and the continuation of Raw on the USA Network presents an opportunity for WWE to reach a wider audience. However, the current approach to storytelling may alienate new viewers who are looking for more than just spectacle and shock value.
Conclusion:
WWE's current strategy seems to be focused on pleasing the existing fanbase and maximizing revenue from live events. While this approach may be successful in the short term, it risks alienating potential new viewers and hindering the company's long-term growth. If WWE wants to truly expand its audience and reach its full potential, it needs to find a way to balance the excitement of the live experience with the need for compelling storytelling and character development that will resonate with viewers at home.

WWE's current narratives seem trapped in a cycle of never-ending feuds and missed opportunities. The storylines often feel predictable and stagnant, failing to create compelling drama or showcase the full potential of the talented roster.
* Feuds That Refuse to Die: Several rivalries seem stuck in an endless loop, leaving fans feeling frustrated and bored. The Judgment Day and LWO saga continues to drag on, even incorporating Jey Uso without a clear direction. Similarly, the Wyatt Sicks and American Made feud with Alpha Academy as comic relief feels tired and predictable. CM Punk's pursuit of Gunther and Drew McIntyre remains unresolved, leaving fans questioning the purpose of the never-ending cycle of matches and promos.
* Underutilized Talent: The roster is brimming with potential stars who are being sidelined or relegated to meaningless feuds. The Pure Fusion Collective feels directionless, despite their undeniable talent. Odyssey Jones, Kiana James, Teagan Nox, Lyra Valkyria, and Blair Davenport are all fading into obscurity, their initial promise overshadowed by a lack of substantial storylines.
* Missed Opportunities: The Intercontinental Championship tournament lacks excitement and stakes, with Bron Breakker's absence further diminishing its importance. The women's division suffers from a lack of fresh feuds, as Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill continue their rivalry with the addition of Damage CTRL.
Positives:
* Joe Tessitore's Smooth Transition: Joe Tessitore's seamless integration into WWE's commentary team is a bright spot. His professional delivery and knowledge of the product bring a much-needed sense of polish to the broadcast.
Overall, WWE's current creative direction leaves a lot to be desired. The focus on endless feuds and underutilized talent creates a sense of stagnation and predictability, leaving fans yearning for fresh stories and opportunities for new stars to shine.

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