10 Misconceptions WWE Has About Their Fanbase
3. The "Hardcore" Fans Will Always Watch
The notion that the most ardent pro wrestling fan will continue to watch WWE no matter what is presented has been put to the test over the past year or so, with some telling results.
For years, RAW steadily drew around 3 million viewers every week, but over the past year, the number dipped below 2.5 million viewers at times and come American football season (September), it's likely to get a lot worse. It's a sign that WWE's once bulletproof audience is no longer wearing teflon; even the most "hardcore" of WWE fans have stopped watching consistently.
While cord-cutting and shifts in viewing patterns definitely factor into the ratings drop, the fact is there are other television programs able to sustain their 3.0+ rating in the same environment that WWE no longer can.
For years, WWE has operated under the assumption that a large section of their fanbase will always watch the product, no matter how bad it gets. While that might be true, that section grows smaller and smaller every year. Fans are fed up with the product they're being presented every Monday night, and it's finally causing even the most supportive fans to tune out.