The WWE universe has been abuzz with speculation about the potential return of brand-exclusive premium live events, but according to sources close to the company, it’s unlikely that we’ll see the likes of WrestleMania and SummerSlam split back up among the Raw, SmackDown, and NXT brands anytime soon.
WWE’s Financial Constraints: The ESPN Factor
During the latest Fightful Q&A session, the topic of brand-specific PLEs was broached, and it’s become clear that WWE’s hands are tied by its lucrative deal with ESPN. The global media giant has been instrumental in driving the WWE’s revenue up in recent years, but this partnership comes with its own set of caveats.
According to a WWE insider, the company’s decision to forgo brand-specific PLEs is largely driven by the requirements of its contract with ESPN. “The ESPN deal is a massive money-maker for WWE, but it also comes with a price – literally,” the source revealed. “The network wants a consistent product, something that appeals to a broad audience, and that’s exactly what we’re delivering with our current format. Splitting the brands up again would be a logistical nightmare, not to mention a financial risk that WWE isn’t willing to take.”
The Benefits of a Unified Brand: Why WWE Made the Switch
When WWE first introduced the dual-branded pay-per-view (PPV) model back in 2016, it marked a significant shift in the company’s approach to premium live events. Gone were the days of brand-specific shows like WrestleMania and SummerSlam, which had traditionally been the exclusive domain of the Raw and SmackDown brands.
According to sources close to the creative team, the decision to unify the brands under a single umbrella was made with the intention of creating a more cohesive and engaging product. “We were looking for ways to make our shows more exciting, more unpredictable, and more appealing to a wider audience,” said a creative insider. “By combining the strengths of both brands, we’re able to deliver a more dynamic product that fans love. It’s a winning formula, and we’re not about to change it now.”
The Impact on Talent and Storytelling
The shift away from brand-specific PLEs has had a significant impact on the way WWE develops its storylines and utilizes its talent. With the entire roster now competing for a single prize, the opportunities for creative freedom and storytelling have increased exponentially.
“Before, you’d have these massive, brand-specific events that were only accessible to a select group of performers,” said a WWE source. “Now, everyone has a chance to shine on the biggest stage, and that’s driven a level of competition and creativity that we’ve never seen before. It’s a more inclusive environment, and that’s had a huge impact on the quality of our product.”
The Future of Premium Live Events: What’s Next for WWE?
While brand-specific PLEs may be off the table for the foreseeable future, WWE is continually looking for ways to innovate and improve its premium live events. With the company’s focus on delivering a unified, cohesive product, fans can expect to see even more exciting developments in the world of WWE.
As one WWE insider noted, “We’re always looking for ways to push the envelope, to create something new and unique that fans will love. Whether it’s a new format, a new location, or a new way of storytelling, we’re committed to delivering the best possible product for our audience. And if that means sticking with the status quo, then so be it.”
In the end, while the return of brand-specific PLEs may be a pipe dream for some fans, it’s clear that WWE has made a concerted effort to create something special with its current format. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the company or a new recruit, one thing is certain – the road to WrestleMania (or whatever the next big event may be) has never been more exciting.