10 Step Investigation: Just How Successful Is WWE In 2017?
1. Conclusion
WWE, conspicuously, does not confirm how many Network subscribers actually watch WrestleMania. It's a telling omission. If WrestleMania 33 was watched by more eyes than WrestleMania XXVIII, Michael Cole would be fed lines to that effect on a segment by segment basis.
The real WrestleMania 33 viewing figure doesn't matter, ultimately. Neither does the fact that RAW is universally derided, or that Roman Reigns is getting pushed as a top babyface despite the fact that he's only really a draw in one area. Those hardcore fans, who create their own reasons to care about midcard titles, who will continue to fantasy book scenarios while still accepting the antithesis of those ideas - they will be "super-served" content because WWE knows their devotion translates to expenditure.
WWE, broadly and objectively, is hugely successful - at least in accordance with its present-day strategy. But the business model under which they currently operate is myopic by design, and might be unsustainable going forward.
It has never been more daunting to become a WWE fan. Think of how many box sets gather dust in your TV cabinet, of how much programming you never get round to on your Netflix My List? Entering the WWE Universe in 2017 is equally intimidating. If those fans tire of this so-called super-serving, the next fleet might be put off by the sheer commitment required.
That's a problem WWE hasn't really faced before. New fans aren't a priority - but when they become the priority, WWE might finally crack under the strain.