We’re groin-deep in the Road to WrestleMania at the moment. We’re two weeks away from the last Raw pay-per-view before WrestleMania 34, and the last Smackdown PPV before Mania will be here in March. After that, though, things are going to be a little different. Reportedly.
The first time WWE did its “brand extension,” there were also brand-exclusive PPVs, at least in the beginning. All told, the separate, brand-exclusive PPVs lasted for just a hair under four years, until both brands were present on all PPVs following WrestleMania 23. It looks like this time around, that change might be coming just two years into the brand split.
@MrBrandonStroud @davemeltzerWON just received this email. pic.twitter.com/oI2iB2FkZO
— Is this your Wolf? (@Ichiban_Wolfman) February 12, 2018
Ticketholders for Backlash received the above alert that both Raw and Smackdown Superstars would now be on the show. Shortly after that, the Twitter account WrestleVotes, which is beginning to gather a solid reputation for breaking and reporting actual news, reported that this won’t just be the case for Backlash going forward.
Starting with the Backlash PPV May 6th, all PPVs going forward will be dual branded. No more RAW or Smackdown exclusive shows. Source states repetitive matchups to fill the card along with so-so ticket sales lead to the decision.
The weekly TV shows will not be effected.
— WrestleVotes (@WrestleVotes) February 13, 2018
While this on the surface may feel like it immediately undermines the point and momentum of the brand split, it’s probably the best decision from both a creative and financial standpoint. Smackdown Live is weekly proof of what a rut a show can fall into if it’s only building to things every two months, rather than every month.
Now we’ll have to wait and see whether this will mean four-hour PPVs all around now. Not to give them any ideas or anything.
