3 Reasons why WWE is bringing pyro back to RAW and SmackDown

If there is one thing that WWE fans miss most from the previous generation of WWE TV, it is the pyrotechnics. Pyro was synonymous with so many legendary WWE Superstars' entrances and an important weekly component to WWE television.

In mid-2017, WWE stopped using pyro for RAW, SmackDown, and normal PPVs. The company only used pyrotechnics for its biggest events like WrestleMania, SummerSlam and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia shows (Crown Jewel, Greatest Royal Rumble and Super Showdown).

For two plus years, pyro was nowhere to be seen and relegated as a relic of the past. That will all change soon. According to numerous reports, pyro will be making its grand return to weekly episodic WWE shows starting next week. In this article, we will examine several reasons why WWE is bringing back pyrotechnics to both RAW and SmackDown.

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#3. To mark the beginning of a new era

SmackDown may get its iconic fist back.

WWE's second-biggest weekly show, SmackDown Live, will move to FOX on October 4th, 2019. That means WWE's apex shows, RAW and SmackDown LIVE, will air on different channels. Therefore, WWE is essentially entering into a new era - one in which the brand split is more relevant than ever before.

After the big draft scheduled for the second week of October, RAW Superstars will not cross over to SmackDown LIVE and similarly, SmackDown LIVE Superstars cannot cross over to the Red Brand. For the first time in a long time, there will be true division between the brands.

To mark the beginning of the new era, WWE may change the appearance of both RAW and SmackDown LIVE. Reportedly, SmackDown may even get its iconic fist back. This week's RAW and SmackDown LIVE will reportedly mark the end of the current stage design and both brands will receive new stage designs moving forward. Pyrotechnics will come along to not only mark the occasion and add to the celebration, but to also get things started off with a memorable bang.

#2. The increased budget

WWE has signed long-term deals with both USA Network and FOX Sports in 2018.

Even though many fans often complain that the quality of WWE shows has been degrading over the last several years, WWE is making more money now than ever before. Within the last 18 months, WWE has signed lucrative deals with the likes of USA Network and FOX Sports. WWE has also signed a huge deal with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to conduct two annual events in the country. So far, we have seen the Greatest Royal Rumble (2018), Crown Jewel (2018), WWE Super Showdown (2019), and will see the second edition of Crown Jewel later this year on October 31st. Each show marks an important economic advancement for the company.

WWE's latest five-year deal with the USA Network involves an average $105 million increase of annual revenue growth from 2014 to 2018. The $130 million in 2014 has grown to approximately $235 million in 2018. Similarly, FOX Sports gives WWE approximately $1 billion across five years to air SmackDown Live on Friday nights.

WWE is making a huge profit at the moment, has plenty of money to spare, and can easily afford the budget to include pyro. The company's favorable economic outlook allows them to provide the WWE Universe with out of this world pyrotechnics each and every week on both RAW and SmackDown Live.

#1. To give a layer of uniqueness to the entrances

It is almost impossible to imagine a Goldberg entrance without his signature pyrotechnics

The ring entrance is an essential component to any WWE Superstar. The Undertaker's legendary slow walk after the gong hit, 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin's shattering glass and quick strut to the ring, and John Cena's salute and full on sprint are all each uniquely iconic.

There are plenty of WWE Superstars with entrances that can be complemented by pyrotechnics. Goldberg is obviously one such Superstar. His entrance punches simply look awkward without the appropriate pyro. Batista's machine gun pose, Kane's turnbuckle flames, and DX's X shaped fireworks are some examples of significantly historic pyro displays that might be making a come back soon.

Most current Superstars follow the same modus operandi in terms of their entrance - a looping entrance theme followed by a generic walk to the ring. Adding appropriate pyrotechnics will help to make some of these Superstars unique. Imagine Finn Balor, Aleister Black, or even The Fiend with fireworks. With WWE's new commitment to adding pyrotechnics, this could all happen sooner rather than later.