Does WWE need a new format ?

[arthuradams2002]

Back in the old days the WWE would tape a bunch of matches in large arena and cut and paste them together for shows like Prime Time with dubbed over commentary. Then in 1993, Vince began running a full card on matches taped in the same arena for one show. They were usually taped in smaller arenas up until 1996. As the attitude area grew, so did the production on WWE programming. WWE started using the bigger arena along with the large screens with the backstage segments and lots of pyro etc. Too make a long point short. The look of the WWE hasn't changed much over the years and it what I feel is really causing the product to be stale. Now WWE does a few things out of the ordinary over the years and occasially brings back some legends for nostilga purposes, but the look and feel of WWE hasn't evolved much over the years. Look back at the look of wrestling in the 80s and compare that to the look of the 90s. You will see big differences. Here is what I find that could use a change.

1. Too much elaborate staging and pryo that takes away from the ring action.
2. Every Raw or Smackdown has the same trailer like promos highlighting the week pryor
3. Every PPV has 5 to 15 minutes of a promo package for each angle.

[Dick Foley]

1. No. The pyro isn't going off during the match.

2. How else will fans be reminded of what happened last week. The fans need to know who is going for their revenge this week.

3. They need time to reset or setup the cage or gimmick. Plus the audience needs breaks to go the bathroom or whatever.

[HRH The KING]

I would prefer a shift in format. But I suppose if the ratings are good enough now, they aren't likely to change things drastically.

[Vice honcho room temperature]

I have 1 complaint about the format. No more recapping for 5 min what just happened (like after the Umaga HHH brawl). We just saw it no need to resee it for so long. Also they need to start shows with a fast paced match vs a heel promo that just sucks away the energy.

[wwerules60]

I somewhat agree about the replay videos they show them way too much. Although it is good to hype a match, they do it overkill.

[Dean-o]

I don't want to turn this into yet another brand split discussion...but you know where i'm going with this.

[Jack]

The OP has a point. The 'set' they use has basically been the same for nearly ten years. Okay the pictures and design may have changed but it's still (from left to right) giant screen off to left of the screen, ramp, ring and commentary table with everything being surrounded by a black covered fan barrier.

I don't buy the idea that "if it's not broken don't fix it" as WWE's ratings especially if taken as an average since 2003 can hardly be considered a triumph. Every show needs things refreshed and revamped and rejigged to make it relevent to a new audience. If not then things will become stale and that may be one of the problem with the products ability to attract and more importantly hold onto new viewers.

The other point made about too much pyro is also a fair one. These days rather than substance of effort being put into a character they just slap a video on the Titantron for when he walks down, let off a few cheap fireworks and suddenly that's supposed to get him over. In the end what the crowd react to are the gimmicks (no pun intended). They don't hear someone's music and then see them and react. They're taken in by the huge giant lights that are flashing, the expensively produced video promotional tool on the giant screen and awed by the loudness and noise of the pyro. After all that who's going to give a toss who the wrestler is let alone what the match is like, especially if it's some midcarder or some new guy who nobody cares about yet.

[Loki]

A change in format would be much needed, because it's crystal clear the relics of the Monday Night Wars aren't working that great anymore. Maybe not in terms of ratings and income, but more in terms of developement of the product.

I don't mind pyros. video packages, recaps and the same set. Or the brand split

I do mind that a feud is often "worn out" already before the first PPV confrontation.
I do mind that the midcard has been dead for years now thanks to the "it's all about the WWE/WHC titles".
I do mind that newcomers come and go, at times without a real gimmick and always with little chance to make us/me interested in them.

The Superstar v Superstar match on free TV format has run its course IMO. WWE have to find out a new way to promote more wrestlers in a better way.