Fox Reconsidering SmackDown Live Deal?

In October 2019, SmackDown Live will be moving house from USA Network to Fox Sports. However, the transition might not go as smoothly as first expected. Fox is now forcing the WWE to increase their number of viewers dramatically before October. Here is the story!

Decline in Viewers

According to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio, Fox wants SmackDown Live to obtain 3.3 million viewers a week. Considering SmackDown Live only reached 1.9 million viewers this week, it seems like an almost impossible task!

While SmackDown Live is still considered the better main roster show by loyal fans, the number of viewers has dropped dramatically for both brands. The company will have to make some drastic changes if it wants to obtain an additional 30% in viewers.

Fox Could Reconsider Their Deal

Even if the WWE can only increase their viewers to 2 – 2.5 million over the next couple of months, it may not be enough for Fox, leading them to reconsider their deal. What this means for the WWE is uncertain, as the details of their 1 billion dollar deal with Fox are not known.

If Fox does pull out of the deal, it could have some devastating consequences for the WWE. Pile on that the dodgy deal the WWE has with Saudi Arabia and it could mean brand suicide.

For the WWE to pull in more viewers, we would have to be looking at changes close to those during the Attitude Era. One massive star could make the changes the brand needs, but considering how poor bookings and story lines have been, it might be a good idea to reevaluate the creative team.

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