Real Reason Behind WWE RAW Reunion Episode
USA! USA! USA!
As first revealed by WWE on Sunday, the company is planning to run a ‘RAW Reunion’ show a week today.
John Pollock of POST Wrestling revealed several names listed on the promo spot, among them huge household stars Steve Austin, Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Kurt Angle and Shawn Michaels. Interestingly, given the whispers that he was not set to appear in an onscreen capacity as part of his Executive Director role, Eric Bischoff is also slated for a return.
This isn’t the only detail that conflicts with recent online reports.
As revealed by either Dave Meltzer or Sean Ross Sapp—the two engaged in something of a spat as to the exclusive—WWE is aiming to tap into the teenage demographic in a bid to grow its ageing, static fanbase. A nostalgia-themed show, the likes of which WWE have promoted to mixed reviews in recent years, seems at odds with this mentality.
That is because this wasn’t a decision made by WWE; as revealed by Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, this was imposed on the company by the USA Network as a ratings grab amid falling numbers. This is the second intervention made by the network in response to WWE’s rapidly diminishing popularity; it was USA’s decision to introduce the improbable cult hit that is the 24/7 Championship.
This news underlines the muddied power structure Bischoff and Paul Heyman—even Vince McMahon—must navigate in this time of crisis. Already, it appears that a concerted attempt to implement a long-term strategic drive has been scuppered.
More than one optimistic, fantasy booking Redditor has pointed out that this show may act as pretext to put over an emerging legend killer character, or that the “35 plus” legends may otherwise be utilised to lend their star aura to the next generation.
Unrelated: Brock Lesnar just captured the Universal Title from Seth Rollins using just one move with no response.