WWE 24/7 Title Specifically Designed To Try And Boost Third Hour Ratings
Lots of effort going into turning the numbers around...
Reactions to WWE's brand new 24/7 Championship have been mixed. Much of the criticism levied has been toward the belt's green-strapped, clock-plated design, while the idea of getting lesser-utilized performers involved in a creative endeavor has earned praise.
Dave Meltzer notes in this week's Wrestling Observer Newsletter that the belt's conception is due to the deeper decline in Raw's ratings, particularly how badly the third hour has been sinking in recent months.
USA Network has been pushing McMahon to do something about the third hour, which is part of the reason why the "Wild Card" rule is in effect, to shore up Raw's (and SmackDown's) overall star power.
According to Meltzer, USA Network had been sending various suggestions to WWE on how to increase the third hour ratings, and, according to a person familiar with the suggestions, they were all terrible. However, the 24/7 title idea was the best one, per the source, and McMahon knew he had to take one of the suggestions, so that's what they went with.
Though the title can be defended at any time, hence its name, the idea seems to be to emphasize defenses in the final hour, with the hopes of enticing fans to stick around.
Dave Meltzer notes in this week's Wrestling Observer Newsletter that the belt's conception is due to the deeper decline in Raw's ratings, particularly how badly the third hour has been sinking in recent months.
USA Network has been pushing McMahon to do something about the third hour, which is part of the reason why the "Wild Card" rule is in effect, to shore up Raw's (and SmackDown's) overall star power.
According to Meltzer, USA Network had been sending various suggestions to WWE on how to increase the third hour ratings, and, according to a person familiar with the suggestions, they were all terrible. However, the 24/7 title idea was the best one, per the source, and McMahon knew he had to take one of the suggestions, so that's what they went with.
Though the title can be defended at any time, hence its name, the idea seems to be to emphasize defenses in the final hour, with the hopes of enticing fans to stick around.
Written by Justin Henry
In addition to writing lists and commentaries for Cultaholic, Justin is also a features writer and interviewer for Fighting Spirit Magazine, and is co-author of the WWE-related book Titan Screwed: Lost Smiles, Stunners, and Screwjobs.