What is the feeling like backstage in WWE with Raw’s viewership still in the tank?
Things are still business as usual in WWE. There was some chaos backstage at last week’s Raw tapings as re-writes were taking place and there were some last-minute changes, such as not having Ric Flair in the corner of Randy Orton due to concerns about COVID-19. But there is not this immense panic that the sky is falling. Raw’s viewership is a concern but Vince McMahon remains pleased with how the show performs in key demographics, as does the USA Network. Vince has placed some of the blame on viewers tuning out as a result of not having a live audience.
Some may argue that NXT and Dynamite have remained at similar viewership numbers to what they did with a live audience. There is an explanation. Right now, the most dedicated fans make up the professional wrestling audience. It is very difficult for new fans to be attracted to a product without a crowd. Go talk to some of your friends who are not wrestling fans – they will tell you everything you need to know. It is a strange time right now but the fact promotions such as WWE, AEW and Impact have been able to run through the pandemic is a positive sign. Right now, it is more of a “maintain” mentality, rather than focused on growth.
The majority of viewers for NXT and Dynamite are the dedicated fans that know of these promotions through the WWE Network, the independent scene, social media and the internet. The belief from backstage in AEW is had it not been for the pandemic, they would be averaging over one million viewers a week. It is foolish to think one angle or match is going to attract mainstream viewers. Right now, wrestling promotions have to cut costs and maintain with the hopes of coming through soon so they can re-focus on growth.
What do you make of AJ Styles challenging The Undertaker to a match at SummerSlam for the Intercontinental Championship? He said the stipulation could be, loser leaves WWE.
I saw what AJ Styles said and found it intriguing. I do not believe The Undertaker would do it. Right now, in Undertaker’s mind, he is finished. We all know retirement is a loose term in the wrestling business but Undertaker is 55-years-old. He has proved me wrong when I thought he was finished before but this just is not going to continue. If he agrees to another match, I have to think it will be in front of a live crowd. Unfortunately, SummerSlam is not going to have one. If you want to hear AJ’s comments, you can at this link.
How has the pandemic impacted the pay of WWE Superstars? Surely guys like Roman Reigns are hurting by not working.
Pay in WWE has been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. All WWE Superstars work under independent contract agreements. The way these contracts are structured is such that talent is paid a downside guarantee with show bonuses. Show bonuses, which at one time were paid out at a flat rate of $500, are down because WWE is not running house shows. There are also bonuses for merchandise and any money a talent makes on their own likeness. But suffice it to say, business is not booming right now. Roman Reigns is still collecting his downside, which is money he makes for as long as he is under WWE contract. Main event talent like Reigns have much higher downsides than mid-tier guys, which gives him the ability to “opt out” of working during this time. A popular line Stephanie McMahon has used during media interviews is work is voluntary during this time. It is and it is easy for someone like Roman who has a six-figure downside guarantee to sit on the sidelines and focus on training. However, some talent are not as fortunate and have to fight to get on every show that they can.
Do you believe Vince McMahon and Triple H are intimidated by the success of All Elite Wrestling?
WWE is very aware of All Elite Wrestling and have tried to counter every move the promotion has made. AEW gets a TV deal; WWE gets one opposite of them. AEW runs a special episode of Dynamite; WWE runs a special episode of NXT. They are not going to allow any promotion come in unchallenged. Vince, Hunter and anyone else will downplay AEW and point to WWE’s longevity, which is a true point. WWE has outlasted all who have tried before. Will that be the case with AEW? It remains to be seen and is very early on.
The next installment of Ask WNC is scheduled to run on Tuesday, July 28, 2020.
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