10 Lessons WWE Can Learn From The Biggest SummerSlam Buy-Rates Ever

Another lesson to be learned from the history books is that of the optimum number of matches to feature on a SummerSlam card.

While it’s debatable as to how great an effect this has on the eventual number of buys, it’s certainly noticeable that eight or nine seems to be that magic number in determining the length of the perfect card.

Seven of the eight most-bought PPVs featured eight or nine matches in total. And though that may not sound too conclusive on its own, it’s worth considering that seven of the 12 least-bought shows featured fewer matches, specifically seven contests or less.

Although, it’s not quite a case of more matches equals more buys, as only two shows with 10 contests have made into the top 10 on the buys list, so it seems there’s a fine balance required.

If there are too many matches to look forward to, it seems fans are reluctant to buy—perhaps because they know they’ll be getting an awful lot of filler rubbish. But too few bouts on the PPV’s card, and fans in turn may assume the contests are going to drag out and become boring.

Of course, I could be deducing far too much from this, but coincidence or not; the numbers definitely suggest that eight or nine matches is the optimum number.