WWE Raw: USA Network DON'T Want More Adult Content, Royal Rumble Will Be 'Big Reset'
There are conflicting reports on network's dissatisfaction with Raw.
As first reported by talkSPORT's Alex McCarthy earlier this week, bosses at USA Network, the home of WWE Raw, were said to be fuming with the show's deplorable record-low ratings, and had demanded the show re-orient with "more adult content" in the future.
According to Dave Meltzer, speaking on this week's edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, this report is somewhat wide of the mark. The veteran journalist noted that whilst USA Network are obviously unhappy with the terrible numbers, they have no plans to re-tune the red brand outside its current PG bracket.
It's understood the network has a baseline expectation for Raw's viewership, which is clearly not being met at present. Meltzer said last Monday's all-time worst figure "shook everybody up", but the company "got the message" and a big reaction is imminent.
Whatever that reaction is, it won't see the show return to the hijinks of the late '90s.
Meltzer also stated that WWE are viewing the upcoming Royal Rumble as a chance for a "big reset" - the second such they've had in the space of about six months, with the Thunderdome-based SummerSlam spoken of in similar terms.