10 Blockbuster WWE Returns That Would Improve Ratings Immediately
Who can save the sinking ship?
These days, it seems like every Monday and Tuesday follow a pattern. On Monday, WWE presents a three-hour-long episode of Monday Night Raw filled with frustrating skits, matches featuring wrestlers who haven't been pushed in any meaningful way, and plenty of Kane. On Tuesday, news breaks that Raw's ratings hit an 18-year non-holiday low. In fact, if it weren't for that Christmas Eve 2012 episode of Raw where John Cena wrestled Alberto Del Rio because Del Rio accidentally ran over Santa Claus, the "non-holiday" part would be out the window. This past Monday, WWE tried to spike a rating by advertising Brock Lesnar, The Undertaker, Steve Austin, Ric Flair, and Shawn Michaels for Raw. The show opened with Austin introducing Undertaker, who then had a face off with Lesnar, but when it became clear that they'd have no more interaction on the show, fans tuned out. In the end, the inactive legends did little more than introduce other talent, and the show's ratings were a mere 80,000 viewers up from the previous week's record low. How can WWE possibly stop Raw from going down the drain? Compelling storylines certainly wouldn't hurt, but the company needs a quick fix in addition to a long-term one. Returning superstars can provide that turnaround - if they're used correctly...