20 Reasons Why WWE Superstar Shake-Up 2019 Was An Absolute Mess

1. The Lack Of Hype

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WWE

The Superstar Shake-Up is a big deal.

While the brand split has softened over the past 12 months or so, this is supposed to be the only time of year fans get to see wrestlers switching brands. It's an overhaul, a refresh, and a new day. The sins of the previous year should be washed away, and the audience should be buoyed by the prospect of seeing performers who'd struggled in their old homes move to pastures new, ready to seize whatever opportunities await wherever they land.

Unfortunately, the company did a p*ss-poor job of building it up this year. Barely any hype went into what should be one of the calendar's most exciting weeks. The little work WWE did put forth felt underwhelming, and we were treated to the least anticipated Shake-Up ever as a result, resulting in a 9% viewership slump from the Raw after WrestleMania 35.

WWE's complacency is showing, and they need to do more to make shows like this feel special. Hype it, sell it, advertise it. Marketing is supposed to be one of their biggest strengths, too.

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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.