10 Times WWE Tried The Same Failure TWICE

3. A Definitive Brand Split

WWE Draft 2002 2016
WWE

Of course, conceding that things might not be thrill-a-minute isn't something WWE feel comfortable doing. That's fine, because there are always ways to make Raw and SmackDown feel like must-see, uniquely identifiable and totally different weekly delights. For example, the brand extension/split.

Which...hasn't worked twice.

Both brand splits started out so promisingly in 2002 and 2016. Vince McMahon seemed dead set on properly promoting each major show as competitive ratings-seekers that'd drive one another on. Unfortunately, he got in his own way and cross-pollinated to the point that the entire premise lacked serious credibility within months.

2002's first go-around needed to teach McMahon what to do if he ever tried to divide his top shows again. Rather than learn what not to do though, Vince bashed his head against the wall and repeated the same mistakes 14 years on, then decreed that fans didn't really want a definitive split anyway.

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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.