8 Burning Questions For WWE Backlash 2016
1. Will First Brand Split PPV Excel Or Disappoint?
One of the criticisms that plagued the original brand split was the proliferation of weak brand-specific PPVs diluting the market. The dynamic has changed a lot, with WWE focused less on PPV revenue and more on WWE Network subscriptions, but there still has to be some execs watching this event closely.
If these September brand-specific PPVs falter and October’s two events are also off, then we could be looking at a rethinking of this strategy. Raw and SmackDown PPVs ran from 2003-07, so the company could be a lot more patient than just a couple months. But there’s no denying that this first effort (and Clash of Champions in two weeks) will be scrutinized.
From a fan’s perspective, brand-specific PPVs mean that only half the WWE roster is being utilized, so if I’m a casual fan who wants to see all the top stars, I’m going to be at least halfway disappointed – unless the product is so good it blows me away. Sure, we’ll still get both rosters for the “Big Four” PPVs, but we’re entering a new era (well, re-entering an old one) on Sunday.
Will SmackDown’s Backlash deliver the goods, or will it fall short? Tune in Sunday night to find out.
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What do you think? Will Backlash sink or swim? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!