12 Ups & 13 Downs For WWE In 2019 (So Far)

2. The Wild Card Rule

Kevin Owens Wild Card Rule
WWE

Here's hoping that Eric Bischoff and Paul Heyman's arrival as Executive Directors does away with the Wild Card rule, because Vince McMahon's lame attempt at saving his TV ratings has been wholly destructive.

We should have seen this coming when the Chairman changed his mind on how many wrestlers can invade a brand at once on the night it was introduced. WWE have broken the limit on almost every show since then, and while the rule has proven fruitful for big names like Roman Reigns, it was left WWE's undermined midcard with even fewer opportunities to get onto television.

Buddy Murphy can't buy a TV appearance. Remember the Kabuki Warriors? They still exist, apparently. Aleister Black has done nothing but cut cheesy promos from a darkened room since April. The list goes on.

If the brand split is to continue, the Wild Card Rule has to go. It has done nothing but dilute Raw and SmackDown and widen the gap between WWE's haves and have-nots.

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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.