10 Signs WWE's Brand Split Just Isn't Working
9. Most Fans Are Picking A Side
Talk to any number of pro wrestling fans and it becomes clear that most have a favourite show. For some, Monday Night Raw will always be the crown-jewel of WWE programming. For others, SmackDown has a better roster and the 2-hour format means the broadcast is tighter and maintains focus.
The very nature of any brand split dictates that fans will also be divided. On the surface, this isn't a problem for WWE. After all, creating that division means that people will be more likely to care when 'Team Raw vs. Team SmackDown' matches are presented.
Scratch just beneath that surface and problems start to crop up. Why would WWE management want any customer to choose between parts of their product? Going back to the previous point, people favour Raw or SmackDown because they don't like something about one of the shows. That loyalty isn't born out of thinking the 'better' program is flawless.
Surely having a better balance would be of benefit to WWE? Fans should be enjoying Raw and SmackDown for different reasons, not because they consider one side lame.