The WWE universe is still reeling from the massive shake-up brought about by the brand split era, and one of the most popular aspects of that time was the brand-specific Premium Live Events (PLEs). Fans and wrestlers alike have been clamoring for the return of those exclusive shows, but it seems that might not be happening anytime soon. According to sources close to the situation, WWE’s decision to abandon brand-specific PLEs is largely due to the significant financial implications of negotiating with the likes of ESPN.
The elephant in the room: ESPN’s lucrative deal
WWE’s agreement with ESPN, which sees the sports media giant broadcasting its flagship shows, including Monday Night Raw and SmackDown, has become a major factor in the company’s decision-making process. While the deal has undoubtedly been a cash cow for the Stamford-based promotion, it has also made it increasingly difficult for WWE to go back to the drawing board and re-establish brand-specific PLEs.
“ESPN’s contract is a double-edged sword,” a WWE insider revealed to us. “On the one hand, it provides a much-needed boost to our bottom line, but on the other, it limits our creative flexibility and makes it challenging for us to revisit old formulas.”
The economics of brand-specific PLEs
While the idea of brand-specific PLEs may seem like a nostalgic throwback to the glory days of the brand split era, the economics of such a move are far more complicated. With the likes of WWE’s flagship shows airing on ESPN, the company would need to negotiate a new deal that allows for exclusive content, which would undoubtedly come with a hefty price tag.
“Let’s not forget that ESPN’s deal is a major part of WWE’s revenue stream,” a source close to the WWE financial department explained. “We’re talking about tens of millions of dollars here, and we can’t just simply decide to abandon that revenue stream. It’s a delicate balancing act, and we have to consider the financial implications of any decision we make.”
The creative implications of brand-specific PLEs
While the financial aspect of brand-specific PLEs is undoubtedly a major consideration, the creative implications of such a move should not be overlooked. With the WWE universe now more interconnected than ever, the idea of brand-specific PLEs may seem like a step backward, limiting the creative possibilities for storylines and character development.
“Brand-specific PLEs were a product of their time,” a WWE creative source revealed to us. “While they may have been a big part of the brand split era, they’re not necessarily the best fit for the modern WWE landscape. Our storytelling is now more interconnected, and we need to be able to tell stories that transcend the traditional brand boundaries.”
A possible compromise?
While it’s unlikely that WWE will return to brand-specific PLEs anytime soon, there’s always a possibility that the company may find a compromise that satisfies both the creative and financial needs of the organization. One possible solution could be the introduction of more brand-agnostic shows, where wrestlers from different brands are brought together to compete in a more open format.
“Imagine a show where Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Shinsuke Nakamura all compete on the same card, regardless of their brand affiliation,” a WWE insider mused. “It would be a unique opportunity for WWE to showcase its talent in a new and exciting way, while also providing a fresh perspective on the brand split era.”
Conclusion
While the idea of brand-specific PLEs may be a nostalgic throwback to the past, it seems that WWE’s hands are tied by the financial implications of ESPN’s deal. However, that doesn’t mean that the company is completely ruling out the possibility of revisiting old formulas. With a possible compromise on the table, it’s clear that WWE is willing to think outside the box and explore new ideas, even if it means abandoning some of the tried and true methods of the past.