10 Reasons Why WWE's Problems Aren't Going Away

7. The FOX Era Is An Instant Disaster

Saudi Trouble
WWE.com

This week's rating rendered last week's horrendous FS1 number an aberration, and the NXT invasion may continue to mask the lack of a true, long-term direction. The lessons of 2019, from EC3 to Aleister Black to the Viking Experience, should be more stark than the discourse suggests: transplanting NXT stars to the main roster is not a permanent solution.

Once Survivor Series is out of the way - then what?

Under "Bruce Prichard" - it's Vince, it's always Vince - SmackDown has not changed. The beautiful new set is lipstick on a pig. F*ck finishes remain a constant that advance nothing. The big, mainstream tactic of pushing Cain Velasquez was a ratings grab failure. WWE made a geek of Kofi Kingston on the premiere for nothing. What must the sought-after demo think of Shorty G?

If it looks like a geek, and it clucks like a geek, it's a geek.

WWE thought a new boom period was imminent under the most optimistic and arrogant mentality: more homes are available to watch WWE, and what else would they possibly do?

It's almost as if promoting the new show almost entirely around old stars that won't appear on it was a terrible idea.

Things will have to deteriorate very, very badly for any of this to matter - but those renegotiations will not go well, as things stand.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!