When Raw turned into a three hour show in the summer of 2012, it was done after years of USA Network asking WWE to do it. Since Raw is the highest rated show on USA Network, WWE was reportedly asked to do it for many years. Part of the reason for their reluctance was that it would have hurt the Smackdown brand because if one show was three hours compared to two there's no way fans could see that as an even playing field. Not only that, but they wouldn't have had enough contracted talent to make Raw entertaining when only half the roster was at their disposal. The advantages to three hour Raw are that matches are allowed get more time now thanks to that extra hour, but when the brand extension was taking place that was less of an issue. Instead of having 80 people available to book on Raw like they had now, it was about 30-40 people so they were going to get more time in the ring in those days anyway. For a lot of fans, three hour Raw feels like a negative. It's just too long to sit and watch WWE. It must be very difficult on the WWE creative team as well because they're having to put out this extra hour of television each week and it's not really that compelling. Raw felt like more of a "must see" show when it was two hours long and there were talents that were exclusive to it. The way it is now just doesn't seem as special.
John wrote at WhatCulture from December 2013 to December 2015. It was fun, but it's over for now. Follow him on Twitter @johnreport. You can also send an email to mrjohncanton@gmail.com with any questions or comments as well.
