Why The WWE Network FAILED

roman reigns brock lesnar
WWE.com

First match is built via contrived scripted segment on TV. First PPV match ends via f*ckery, if not tossed off on TV, thereby muddying journey with destination and ruining core dramatic principles of anticipation, peak and purpose. Second match ends via f*ckery. Third match is decisive. And the cycle begins anew.

WWE execs talked up this revolution of content and its direct, cheap, super-served delivery without ever addressing the content itself.

As the Network failed to ignite as expected, WWE tinkered with its programming to better suit the model. No, they didn't improve it, despite thousands upon thousands of fans, when they had the heart anyway, vocally guiding them towards it. In order to artificially inflate its success, the running length of pay-per-views was extended. 2018 represented the nadir of the experiment.

WrestleMania 34 ran for 5:03:35. That doesn't include the two hour Kickoff portion. The main card for Money In The Bank ran for 4:11:41, and that figure again does not include the Kickoff. The Money In The Bank PPV, a rare modern WWE success, is affectionately referred to as the fifth of the Big 4 traditional events, but it's still a B-level attraction. WWE demanded an outrageous amount of your time to "consume" it, and that verb took on a rather suboptimal connotation. WWE events felt like something to get through, almost as a requirement. The fan had become - or was asked to become - a completist.

If that reads as a subjective take, go back and watch virtually every main event from that era.

CONT'D...(3 of 6)

Advertisement
Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!