The world of professional wrestling is constantly evolving, with promotions continually adapting to stay relevant in the ever-changing landscape. One aspect of WWE that has garnered attention in recent years is the presence of two world championships. According to various wrestling insiders, the idea of having two separate titles may have originated as a way to boost the company’s revenue streams, but as the years go by, some question whether this system is truly beneficial for the wrestlers, the fans, and the overall product.
WWE’s Dual World Championship Structure: A Business Decision?
WWE’s decision to introduce a second world championship, the WWE Universal Championship, in 2016, was largely seen as a way to create a new revenue stream for the company. With the rise of streaming services and online platforms, the need for a more robust content model became apparent. Having two world championships allowed WWE to create more storylines, feuds, and pay-per-view events, ultimately increasing their revenue.
However, wrestling legend and AEW commentator Jim Ross has expressed his reservations about the system, stating that having two world championships might not be the most effective way to structure the company. According to sources close to Ross, he believes the dual world championship system can lead to a lack of cohesion and direction within the WWE roster.
“I think it’s a good thing that WWE is trying to stay relevant, but sometimes I wonder if having two world championships is the best way to do it,” Ross said in an interview with Wrestling Inc. “With two separate titles, you end up with two different storylines, and it can be hard to keep track of what’s going on. I’m not sure it’s the best way to structure the company, but I’m sure they have their reasons.”
The Impact on Wrestlers and Storylines
The dual world championship system has had a significant impact on the wrestlers and storylines within the WWE. With two separate titles, the company can create a more diverse range of feuds and rivalries, which can be beneficial for some wrestlers. However, it also means that some wrestlers may find themselves relegated to the secondary title, which can impact their career trajectory.
According to a WWE insider, the company has been working to create more opportunities for wrestlers to hold the secondary title, the WWE Universal Championship. However, the insider also noted that the system can be challenging to navigate, particularly for wrestlers who are new to the company.
“The dual world championship system can be beneficial for some wrestlers, but it also creates a lot of opportunities for confusion and miscommunication,” the insider said. “With two separate titles, it’s harder to keep track of who’s feuding with who and what’s at stake. It’s a challenge that the company is constantly working to address, but it’s not always easy to get right.”
The Impact on the Fans
The dual world championship system has also had a significant impact on the fans, who are often left feeling confused and disconnected from the storylines. With two separate titles, it can be difficult for fans to keep track of what’s going on, particularly if they’re not regular viewers of the WWE programming.
According to a WWE fan survey conducted by the company, the majority of respondents felt that the dual world championship system was confusing and difficult to follow. However, the survey also noted that fans were generally supportive of the idea of having two separate titles, as it allowed for more diverse storylines and rivalries.
Conclusion
The dual world championship system is a complex issue that has both benefits and drawbacks. While it has allowed WWE to create more revenue streams and diverse storylines, it also creates challenges for wrestlers, fans, and the company as a whole. As the world of professional wrestling continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how WWE navigates this issue and whether the dual world championship system remains a part of the company’s structure.
In the words of WWE Hall of Famer and current WWE Executive Producer, Paul Heyman, “The dual world championship system is a necessary evil in today’s WWE. It allows us to create more content, more storylines, and more revenue streams. But it’s also a system that requires constant tweaking and refinement to ensure that it’s working in favor of the company and the wrestlers.”
As the WWE continues to navigate the complex world of professional wrestling, one thing is certain: the dual world championship system is here to stay, at least for the foreseeable future.