10 Ways To Make WWE SmackDown Important On USA Network
9. Star Power
John Cena doesn't appear on SmackDown. Neither does Brock Lesnar. Neither does the Undertaker. That's pretty much a given at this point. Several of WWE's biggest stars don't ever seem to appear on the blue brand, which immediately diminishes it in the eyes of the audience. It's even more of an issue that SmackDown rarely ever features Triple H or Stephanie McMahon in front of the cameras either. If the two people who are, within kayfabe, running the WWE from day to day can't even be bothered to show up for SmackDown, why should wrestling fans tune in? When SmackDown makes its move to the USA Network, the stars should come with it. Every high-level performer on the WWE roster should make appearances, at least sporadically, on SmackDown in order to convey that the show is on a par with Raw in terms of importance. Wrestling fans of all ages will tune in to a show to see their favourites. If they already know that their favourite superstar isn't going to show up, they won't either.
Freelance film journalist and fan of professional wrestling. Usually found in a darkened screening room looking for an aisle seat and telling people to put away their mobile phones. Also known to do a bit of stand-up comedy, so I'm used to the occasional heckle.