10 Ways WWE Can Break Out Of Their Summer Slump

7. Switch The Format

Jinder Mahal
WWE.com

That WWE place too much emphasis on in-ring talking segments is a long-held and oft-repeated complaint, but it’s as relevant as ever in 2017. Raw and SmackDown are entirely formulaic. Each show invariably starts with 10-15 minutes of verbiage between two or more wrestlers, usually breaking down into a brawl or intervention from whichever authority figure is on call that evening.

It’s tired and outdated, and it needs to die. The format has made the opening section of both shows entirely predictable, and fans have learned that they don’t have to tune-in right away, as they’re not going to miss anything important at the top of the show. There’s little to separate one show from the other these days, and much of that is down to the layout.

The few occasions when Raw or SmackDown actually start with a match feel fresh, exciting, and different. These feelings would obviously wane if this was done more often, but predictability kills intrigue, and you can set your watch by most shows at the moment. With TV ratings tumbling to lower levels than ever before, now’s the time to take a chance, and present viewers with some variety.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.