10 Things That Would Improve WWE Brand Split
'Out of nowhere' or not, Randy Orton shouldn't be on Raw-branded shows...
Dave Meltzer claimed via The Wrestling Observer this week that WWE are currently feeling the financial benefit of the latest brand split. It makes sense that having separate machines (Raw and SmackDown) on the road running live events has helped, but it also comes as a surprise amidst concurrent reports that post-WrestleMania ratings have been low.
The recent 'Superstar Shakeup' tried to remedy any staleness across both brands. Whilst it was a success in terms of putting The Miz on Raw and Charlotte Flair on SmackDown, the entire exercise felt superficial and merely masks problems WWE have been having since last Summer's draft.
Many of the same mistakes WWE tripped up on during the previous brand extension are being made again. The question is: just what can be done to actually improve Raw and SmackDown, in turn making both as valuable as the other to WWE's overall product?
10. Create More Of A Product Schism Between Raw & SmackDown
Watching five full hours of WWE programming each week is a lot to ask of fans in the first place, but it's even worse when both shows follow the exact same format. On Monday nights, Braun Strowman bullies his way through the Raw roster. Come Tuesdays, Baron Corbin is SmackDown's equivalent.
This extends to the bickering authority figure storylines both shows have run in recent months. Missed Mick Foley arguing with Sami Zayn about showing faith in him? Don't worry, because SmackDown featured more of the same with Daniel Bryan and The Miz.
WWE must work on creating a real difference between both major brands. They shouldn't feel the same.
Having a different colour scheme isn't enough; there needs to be a concerted effort to make each product unique. If Raw is going to be the 'sports entertainment' show (complete with heavy drama and big stunts like Strowman tipping over ambulances), then SmackDown has to be a more wrestling-centric program.