Brand split ending in 2019?

[Kidd Dibiase]

Partial Source: The Wrestling Observer Newsletter

According to sources, there is some backstage speculation that WWE may once again be ending their brand split in 2019 in order to keep their new deal with FOX. WWE officials are reportedly concerned that FOX could back out of the deal due to ratings.

As previously reported here on eWrestlingNews.com, WWE and FOX agreed to a five-year deal back in May that is worth $1.025 billion for SmackDown! to air live on the FOX Network beginning in October 2019. WWE officials, including Vince McMahon, are reportedly worried that FOX could back out of a long-term deal due to the ratings for SmackDown! Live. If this were to happen, WWE would more than likely panic and end the brand split.

It should be noted that the exact details of the FOX-WWE contract are unknown and it’s said that FOX likely couldn’t back out of a deal worth that much so easily. The worst case scenario is that WWE SmackDown! Live would be moved to FS1 if it can’t compete live on Friday night’s.

 

[Silkk]

Stupid ass company

 

[Rarely-Wrong Liggins]

I guess ratings do matter.

 

[SteelCitySoldier]

It should be noted that the exact details of the FOX-WWE contract are unknown and it’s said that FOX likely couldn’t back out of a deal worth that much so easily. The worst case scenario is that WWE SmackDown! Live would be moved to FS1 if it can’t compete live on Friday night’s

Non news. Vince is trying to restart the XFL with FOX money. No way there is a chance that FOX can renig

 

[Saysumthinfunnymike]

hand the keys of your billion dollar show to this man brehs...

 

[NoMorePie]

Is this someone assuming or is this legitimately bring reported? "Wwe would likely panic" doesnt sound like legit reporting to me

 

[Him]

I give up on this company

 

[RammerJammer]

Ratings were shyt BEFORE the Brand Split

How about actually putting on a good television show?

 

[Kidd Dibiase]

Ratings were shyt BEFORE the Brand Split

How about actually putting on a good television show?

Like i'm sure Fox didn't just start looking at the ratings since the offer came up...the history is there

 

[JerseyBoy23]

It's the most logical move and it also works with WWE's current schedule.

Right now the schedule for the Smackdown roster is Saturdays to Tuesdays, while RAW's is Friday to Monday.

Get rid of the Friday house show and the Monday night house show Smackdown does and it'll look like this.

Fridays- Smackdown
Saturdays - Two separate house shows
Sundays - Two separate house shows
Monday - RAW

 

[TBdaGhost]

They have way too many wrestlers to ditch the brand split.

 

[Zero]

Backstage about to be PACKED

The catering bonuses

 

[Mantis Toboggan M.D.]

They have way too many wrestlers to ditch the brand split.

This is the problem. With the rosters split they can’t find anything for probably 60% of their guys to do that’s even remotely interesting. If they unite again it’ll only get worse.

 

[mrken12]

They have way too many wrestlers to ditch the brand split.

It's a terrible idea........which means that they'll probably do it.

 

[RammerJammer]

They have way too many wrestlers to ditch the brand split.

Exactly and the reason they keep hoarding talent is to keep them away from other companies, well, if you get rid of the brand split, most of those guys gonna dip and go to ROH, NJPW, or Impact Wrestling. They’re really stuck with this now.