What USA Network Thinks Of Triple H's Big WWE Changes

At least one of WWE's television network partners is happy with the promotion's changes following Vince McMahon's resignation as Chairman and CEO.

Fightful Select reports that USA Network, which airs Raw every Monday, is happy with WWE's alterations and the impressive ratings that they have helped produce. The red brand hit a two-year high earlier this month, pulling in a total of 2.230 million viewers for its 1 August episode - the first show fully penned by new head of creative, Paul 'Triple H' Levesque. Since then, Raw has hit P2+ viewerships of over 2 million viewers in two of the last three weeks.

Fightful cites a USA Network/Universal source who stated that Raw's current numbers are in line with original expectations. The pandemic was acknowledged as a hold-up, however, with the source stating they never envisioned a scenario where Raw would regularly drop beneath 2 million viewers outwith holidays. They considered the 1 August figures exciting, describing follow-up shows as "the real test", having not expected Raw to climb beyond the 2 million mark regularly again.

Another source, who doesn't keep up with wrestling, said the buzz surrounding Raw has become inarguable.

With regards to the changes WWE has made to its shows and content, one source stated that Raw had moved closer to becoming appointment viewing. The show feels more natural, they said, and has generated more internal discussion than since the USA/WWE rights deal kicked in.

WWE's relationship with USA was described as "easygoing" and "business as usual". Internally, people are happy with the creative changes implemented by Levesque, and would be surprised if USA didn't make a play to renew WWE content once negotiations on the next set of television rights deals commence.