https://twitter.com/Variety/status/735447930547490816
The debut of a live “Smackdown” comes as two of the WWE’s biggest attractions, John Cena and Seth Rollins, are returning to competition from injuries. And the company is expected to create strong points of differentiation between “Smackdown” and USA’s other live program, “Monday Night Raw,” according to the WWE. A draft will be held before the “Smackdown” launch date to determine which wrestlers on the company’s talent roster will be assigned to which program. Each show is expected to feature separate cast, plots and writing teams.
“WWE’s flagship programs will both leverage the incredible depth of our talent roster, distinct storylines and the unpredictable nature of live TV,” said Vince McMahon, chairman and CEO of WWE, in a statement. “This move will undoubtedly build more excitement and deepen engagement with our fans around the world.”
It seems like it would be a LOT easier to do now that they have the network as opposed to the old PPV days.
Are we going to have another smackdown champion?
Right now there's one overall champion, but if they did this the same way they last attempted it, there would be a second champion.
Same here. As a 30 year old guy I haven't been interested in the WWE since the Attitude Era ended but the last 3-4 months I've been trying to get back into it since its just a really easy way to unwind and live like a kid again. But I have to say, I started watching at a really poor time after all the injuries so while i've been kinda following, i haven't had much of a desire to tune in every Monday.
This seems like a good idea. Gives them the ability to push talent on 2 fronts and have double the amount of time to feature lesser known wrestlers.
The WWE can't help themselves when they have splits. Someone from the otherside always shows up on the other show.
If their is a split, let it be real. No crossovers for like a full year. That way you can actually build anticipation of what a dream match from each side would be like.
They need to cut Raw to 2 hours. I tune in for the opening segment and that's it. It's to long and drawn out. Not sure Vince would want to lose that advertising money he makes though. Maybe an 1 hour preshow on the network instead?
You have to be a diehard wrestling fan to watch TNA.
Cena, Orton, Kane, henry, Big Show - all these guys belong on Smackdown.
It will let some of the guys lower on the card get more exposure on which ever brand they are attached with. I'd also expect the lines to blur a bit. There will be cross pollination between the two rosters. Also, I'd expect whoever holds the championship to be on both shows.
They should stop at show specific PPVs though. They could have show specific network specials. In the end this "brand split" is a plot device of their own creating. They shouldn't allow there own plot device to detract from their PPV's.
Whats TNA?
- WWE
It will let some of the guys lower on the card get more exposure on which ever brand they are attached with. I'd also expect the lines to blur a bit. There will be cross pollination between the two rosters. Also, I'd expect whoever holds the championship to be on both shows.
They should stop at show specific PPVs though. They could have show specific network specials. In the end this "brand split" is a plot device of their own creating. They shouldn't allow there own plot device to detract from their PPV's.
the lower guys will just yield more time to the McMahons. I can't watch it any more.