10 Ways WWE Could Sell More Network Subscriptions

8. Broadcast Teaser Content On RAW

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WWE Network commercials are atrocious, which is a problem in itself. The recent, cornball "Best Of Both Worlds" dual-brand PPV video was unwatchable. "Come and see our Superstars look only slightly less goofy on Sundays!" was hardly an enticement to fork out £/$9.99.

WWE sold the Network into oblivion in 2014, to a point well beyond parody, without really selling it. Michael Cole simply screeched the price, relentlessly, on RAW, promising every pay-per-view past, future and present. It was both annoying - profoundly - and counterproductive. The sheer desperation that laced his aggressive pursuit only created the impression that there was no real pride at the heart of the thing. In price and pitch, there was nothing premium about it.

Show, don't tell. Don't trust Michael Cole with anything. Broadcast classic matches from yore on a fortnightly or monthly basis in place of repetitive rematches and meandering segments. So much of RAW is an inconvenience, anyway. Something from the vault - a PPV barnstormer fought by an act in the midst of a push, perhaps, reminding us why we gravitate towards them where the writers cannot - could entice prospective subscribers and alleviate the tedium within a show that has not nor ever will reconcile its gruelling three-hour run time.

There may be something in the TV rights package stipulating that WWE must only broadcast original content, but let's not crack the obvious joke.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!