WWE Creative Team “Feeling Increased Pressure” From Netflix (WWE News)
Monday's Raw was "a home game" for Netflix execs, and the general feeling is that WWE botched it.
WWE's creative team is "feeling increased pressure" following Monday's episode of Raw that beamed live from the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select has reported that there was a ton of pressure on the writing team, staff and roster before the flagship, because everyone was keenly aware that the episode was considered to be "a home game" for streaming behemoth Netflix.
It's understood that several segments missed their mark.
A backstage source told WrestleVotes/Fightful that the microphone problems during some opening Hell In A Cell match hype between Brock Lesnar and Oba Femi was regrettable. Further, there was a botched Fall From Grace spot into the bargain.
Later, the singalong involving Danhausen and Joe Hendry has been roundly bashed since the show aired. Some critics and folks online have even called it one of the worst segments WWE has ever produced. Harsh, but people were not entertained, and that wasn't a great look in front of key Netflix executives.
Sources told WrestleVotes/Fightful that boxer Ryan Garcia's appearance when attacking the duo "was considered to be underwhelming and unnecessary given his recent controversies".
This wasn't included in Fightful's write-up, but WWE has been under a bit more pressure lately due to skepticism about the overall product from fans and soaring ticket prices that forced the company to eat humble pie whilst offering heavy discounts for SummerSlam. Neither night in Minneapolis has met sales targets despite seats being available for as low as $25.
It sounds like Netflix weren't especially pleased with Monday's Raw.