10 Ways WWE Can Break Out Of Their Summer Slump

6. Book More Individual Storylines

Jinder Mahal
WWE.com

One of the ways WWE love to book their shows when they’re low on individual ideas is to throw as many people into the same storyline as possible, and the practice is everywhere at the moment. When Braun Strowman was injured, WWE put Raw’s five biggest stars in a number one contendership feud. SmackDown’s women, meanwhile, have been clustered together for much of the year, and with Money In The Bank right around the corner, the theme will continue for at least another couple of weeks.

While this method succeeds in getting a number of different wrestlers onscreen at the same time, that’s its only benefit. Performers can’t stand-out when they’re competing with four or five others for attention, and it’s tough for fans to invest in these people when they’re not allowed to show their personality.

Great wrestlers like Becky Lynch have lost their way as a result of this practice. There’s little distinction between individuals on Raw and SmackDown at the moment, and the rosters feel increasingly homogenised. Until WWE return to focusing on individual storylines between two parties, it’s hard to imagine anything other than disposable television from the company.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. 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.