WWE Raw shifting to two-hours for rest of the year will be an interesting test

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As a lifelong wrestling fan who has seen the industry evolve over three decades, I must say that the upcoming changes to WWE Monday Night Raw are both intriguing and promising. Having witnessed countless hours of wrestling action, I can confidently say that a well-executed two-hour show can be just as engaging as a three-hour marathon.

The world of professional wrestling and entertainment spectacles is set for a significant transformation. The September 30th episode of WWE Monday Night Raw, traditionally three hours long, will mark its final airing in this format. This move raises questions about how the shift to a different platform like Netflix in 2025 might affect WWE’s programming. However, it also opens up possibilities for exciting modifications in the way the show is structured and presented when it finds a new broadcast home.

As reported by Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, there’s a proposed change for WWE Raw on Netflix – it may return to its original three-hour format. However, it’s unclear whether this means three hours without commercials or if Netflix’s method of integrating commercials within the platform will be different. Given the shift to a new platform, these are valid questions as both WWE and its loyal fans adapt. This change also presents an opportunity for something fresh and innovative.

Could we consider the possibility of WWE using this period to assess fan reception towards the two-hour version of Monday Night Raw? If the feedback is favorable, given fans’ past preferences, airing shorter episodes with a more focused and meaningful content might draw in viewers. A two-hour span appears to be ideal for a robust professional wrestling show, and WWE could reap long-term benefits by making such a change permanent.

On the other hand, WWE could promote their three-hour versions of WWE Raw as a “specialized” show that is practically enticing to watch. Consider these shows being billed as a Premium Live Event (PLE) with significant matches throughout the card. This strategy would provide fans an additional motivation to tune in and enhance the overall esteem of those episodes.

Ever since Vince McMahon stepped away, WWE has been experimenting with various approaches to enhance its program’s presentation. These changes have generally been well-received. One more potential adjustment could be shortening the shows from three to two hours, which might further improve the weekly product’s overall appearance. Could this happen as 2024 nears and WWE transitions to Netflix? It’s plausible, and let’s hope that change persists!

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2024-10-01 15:15