10 Signs WWE's Brand Split Just Isn't Working

8. So Many Repeat Matches

WWE BrandSplit
WWE.com

Come Hell In A Cell, it will be the third time since SummerSlam that Roman Reigns vs. Rusev has been scheduled for use on pay-per-view. Admittedly, the SummerSlam match didn't end up happening, as Reigns ambushed his foe before the bell could even ring. Still, that excuse aside, it's pretty bold of WWE to expect significant fan interest.

The Cell stipulation has been tacked on to try and stir up that intrigue. As much as the match will likely be enjoyable, Raw's creative team can't use Rusev vs. Reigns going forward. Both men need a break from one another, and they're far from alone.

Analyse the card for Hell In A Cell and it becomes clear that repeat matches are law in WWE nowadays. Kevin Owens vs. Seth Rollins, Charlotte vs. Sasha Banks, and T.J Perkins vs. Brian Kendrick all join Reigns vs. Rusev in being rematches.

Over on SmackDown, the same problem persists. Dolph Ziggler and The Miz faced one another for the WWE Intercontinental Title at both Backlash and No Mercy. There's a reason for these repeats, and it's something the promotion must address.

Contributor

Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.