One of the most consistent complaints about today's WWE is the commentary team's constant reminders of social media and what hashtags fans should be using to talk about certain matches. Would it be nice to hear more input on the actual matches than hearing Michael Cole or Rich Brennan shill the WWE App, their fan following on Facebook or how to follow along with the rest o the WWE Universe on Twitter? Sure, but the company is forward thinking when it comes to pop culture and recognizes the benefit that comes from being active and relevant on social media. Take one look around television today and you will find a landscape vastly different from what it once was. While fans used to tune into Melrose Place and chat about all of their favorite character and story developments the next day at work, huddled around a water cooler (they still have those?), today's viewers can react to any given twist or turn in real time and do so while talking to fans around the world. In the process, the show trends on social media and those who may not have previously been familiar with it may be intrigued enough to check it out. WWE recognizes the invaluable tool that social media and hashtags have become and uses them to their advantage. Thus, when Michael Cole suggests following along with fellow fans on Twitter, using #TagTeamTitles, he is not only trying to drum up discussion about the match going on inside the ring, he is also generating brand interest. Raw regularly trends on a weekly basis, along with major broadcast and cable television shows such as "Pretty Little Liars," "Arrow," "Supernatural," "How to Get Away With Murder," and "The Walking Dead." All are among the most popular shows on television among the coveted 18-35 age demographic, another reason the company would be so invested in pushing the idea of Twitter involvement during its broadcasts.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
