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

7. Pushing An Anti-Draw

baron corbin raw
WWE.com

Subjectively, your mileage may vary on Baron Corbin. Your writer generally enjoys his smug facials, deluded promos, and the sheer venom he inspires on social media and Reddit.

Objectively, the guy is terrible for business.

Raw was largely built around his 'Constable' character in late 2018 and the results were disastrous, with the show's viewership hitting two all-time lows that December. Corbin is a certified anti-draw. His presence (among other things) was compelling people to tune out in droves, and WWE even acknowledged his failings by ethering him on that "you're the authority now" episode, seemingly ending his mega-push.

That end never came. Rather than slip out of the spotlight, Corbin has returned to it in spectacular fashion this year. Extreme Rules will see him compete for the Universal Championship for the third straight pay-per-view, and he could well win it, with Vince seemingly far from over his love affair with 'Big Banter.' If it happens, we can only assume the viewership will tumble even further down the can.

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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.