Monday Night Raw 5/6/19: Defying Authority

Norrin Radd

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Vince McMahon's new Wild Card Rule on WWE TV is a response to ratings pressure from NBCUniversal (USA Network) and Fox, according to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio.

Vince McMahon reportedly did not want to give up the idea of separate brands. As noted, the Wild Card Rule will see 4 RAW Superstars be eligible to appear on SmackDown each week while 4 SmackDown Superstars are able to appear on RAW each week.

WWE has been facing outside pressure from NBCU and Fox to bring the ratings up. The networks will not be happy with how bad the ratings are this coming fall because of how much money they are paying WWE. Fox and NBCU want star power on the shows and there has been a feeling that the brands don't have enough star power individually.

It was also noted that Fox wants RAW and SmackDown storylines on the blue brand show when it goes to their network on Friday nights in October. NBCU was reportedly upset about the recent drop in ratings, especially for the third hour, and they were asking questions about the decline, specifically why they would give away a top star like Roman Reigns to SmackDown. There has been pressure from NBCU and Fox to have the top WWE Superstars work both shows.
 

DosCadenaz

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If I was The Revival I'd just punch Vince as hard as I could. Idc the consequences Cuz that would be worth it. If I can land more even better
 

NYChase718

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Monday's WWE RAW episode, featuring a much-hyped appearance by SmackDown Superstar Roman Reigns plus a returning Daniel Bryan vs. WWE Champion Kofi Kingstonin the main event that also featured blue brand Superstars, drew 2.244 million viewers, according to Showbuzz Daily.

This is up 4% from last week's 2.158 million viewers. It is the second-lowest viewership of 2019 and the third-lowest audience for a non-holiday RAW episode in history.
 
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