10 Reasons WWE's Audience Has Dropped 20% In 12 Months

Raw's dramatic decline in viewership can be misleading. Whilst it suggests a falling interest in WWE, this should not be taken to mean a falling interest in wrestling as a whole - despite the company's best attempts to make their name synonymous with the sport.

WWE have been hell bent on neutering all competition since they obtained the North American monopoly in 2001 - the latest example being their bid to hoover up British talent in an attempt to nip the surging scene in the bud. But despite their aggressive tactics (and admittedly, less aggressive introduction of a UK Championship aimed at siphoning the audience), wrestling beyond the auspices of WWE is in rude health. The UK is on fire thanks to promotions such as Progress and Rev: Pro, whilst New Japan's expansion into the West is flourishing like never before (albeit not necessarily with financial dividends).

The fact is, there will always be wrestling fans. But those wrestling fans won't always be WWE fans. Just as a small group rejected the mainstream way back in 1997 and turned to ECW, so too have modern audiences' tastes altered as they seek something different. For some, it's the often stale homogeneity emerging from Stamford which has put them off. For others, it's disillusionment at constantly being treated like an enemy of the promotion for their preferences. Whatever the reason, lapsed WWE followers have found there is life beyond the 'Universe' - and it's even better.