The Future of SmackDown: What WWE Boss Triple H Needs to Consider

As the leader of WWE, Triple H has the daunting task of shaping the future of one of the company's flagship brands: SmackDown. With recent rumors suggesting that the blue brand may not switch back to a traditional Monday Night Wars format, it's time for Triple H to take a step back and reassess what he wants SmackDown to be moving forward.

A Changing Landscape

The professional wrestling landscape has undergone significant changes in recent years. The rise of streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime has created new opportunities for wrestlers and storylines to reach a wider audience. At the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift towards digital content consumption.

SmackDown, which airs live on Friday nights, has struggled to adapt to these changes. The show's viewership numbers have been declining in recent years, and it's unclear whether the traditional Monday Night Wars format is still relevant in today's market.

The Case for a New Format

One possibility is that WWE may need to experiment with new formats to revitalize SmackDown. This could include:

• Moving SmackDown to Thursday nights: This would put the show directly after NXT, creating a potential rivalry between the two shows.
• Introducing more digital content: WWE could use its wealth of digital assets to create online-exclusive storylines and matches, potentially attracting a younger audience.
• Focusing on in-ring action: SmackDown has historically been known for its strong in-ring performances. By emphasizing this aspect of the show, WWE may be able to attract viewers who are looking for high-quality wrestling.

The Case for Sticking with Tradition

On the other hand, there are valid arguments to be made for sticking with the traditional Monday Night Wars format:

• Brand recognition: SmackDown has a long history of competing with Raw on Monday nights, and many fans still associate the show with this format.
• Live audience: The raw energy of a live crowd is something that cannot be replicated in a digital environment. WWE may be able to tap into this by continuing to air the show live.

What Does This Mean for SmackDown's Future?

Ultimately, the future of SmackDown will depend on what Triple H and WWE decide to do next. If they choose to stick with tradition, it could lead to a more familiar but potentially stale viewing experience. On the other hand, experimenting with new formats may be able to attract a fresh audience and breathe new life into the show.

One thing is certain: whatever decision is made, it needs to be informed by a deep understanding of what SmackDown fans want from their live event programming. By taking the time to listen to fan feedback and assess the competitive landscape, WWE can make an informed decision about how to move forward with the blue brand.

Key Takeaways

• WWE is considering whether or not to switch SmackDown back to a traditional Monday Night Wars format.
• There are valid arguments both for and against sticking with tradition, as well as experimenting with new formats.
• The future of SmackDown will depend on what Triple H and WWE decide to do next.

Recommendations for WWE

1. Conduct market research: WWE should conduct extensive market research to understand what SmackDown fans want from their live event programming.
2. Experiment with new formats: WWE could try out different formats, such as moving the show to Thursday nights or introducing more digital content, to see what works best for the audience.
3. Prioritize in-ring action: By emphasizing high-quality in-ring performances, WWE can attract viewers who are looking for exciting and authentic wrestling.

By taking a thoughtful and informed approach to shaping SmackDown's future, WWE can create a show that resonates with fans and remains competitive in today's rapidly changing landscape.