For years, a lot of fans of the WWE have wanted them to move away from the PG and child family friendly television that they produce for the most part.
Pay-Per-Views such as Extreme Rules and TLC: Table, Ladders and Chairs have been relatively toned down to an extent where the event becomes a near exact copy of a Monday Night Raw episode, but a weapon or two are used during matches.
But during Shane McMahon’s return on Monday night, Vince McMahon dropped an audible F bomb. It was bleeped by the television broadcast, but videos emerged from inside the arena. It was no accident. According to the Wrestling News Observer, WWE is planning to make their television product edgier in the coming weeks.
The network that broadcasts RAW, USA have pleaded with the WWE to become must see and change from the child orientated shows, just like the fans have. The pair may now be getting their wishes.
A Draw for WrestleMania is Needed
Is the WWE becoming edgier because a build for WrestleMania is desperately and ticket sales for the event are below expectations? Maybe. Reports have suggested that nearly thirty thousand tickets are still available for WrestleMania 32 in Dallas, Texas.
On Monday’s episode of RAW, blood was seen as Triple H attacked Roman Reigns towards the end of the show. Fans speculated that it wasn’t real and a video emerged that looked to show Byron Saxton handing Reigns a blood packet.
Whether or not it was real blood doesn’t matter, blood is rarely seen on WWE television and it was huge for fans. An attack from Triple H that was meant to inflict damage and injury had a visual payoff that the audience could see. Not the usual selling of an injury where a superstar holds their leg or arm and is then seen walking backstage like nothing happened.
Will it Continue Post-WrestleMania?
It may continue to at least the Monday Night Raw after WrestleMania where a summer storyline or talent debuts happen, but past that it is up in the air.
The WWE has a number of child friendly sponsors that want the product to be enticing to their target audience with stipulations surrounding physical injury and the fighting between men and women.
Fans who believe the WWE product is stale, and there is a vocal majority for the past few months - even years, will hope it continues. Many may not have the belief that the WWE will want to move away from a profitable model where children and families are a target audience.
It isn't going to be the Attitude Era, but freshening up the current product can't hurt.