4. Just Under 1.3 Million Network Subscribers
A big factor in WWE doing this match is the Network subscriber numbers. They were at a peak of 1.3 million subscribers around WrestleMania 31, which is around what WWE need to be doing consistently to be comfortable in the Network's success. However, since Mania 31, the number is expected to have dipped back below one million. Most fans just don't see any point in subscribing when there isn't a Mania level show on offer each month. SummerSlam is that effort to get back to the peak, by main eventing with a Mania level match up. WWE are expecting the magnitude of the Lesnar Taker match to deliver a big increase in Network subscribers. But they'll be disappointed. While this match is going to add significant interest, it isn't at the level of WrestleMania 31's overall appeal. A subscriber number of 1 million to 1.2 million is to be expected.