3 Reasons why WWE needs to convert back to the TV-14 rating

#1 The ratings will continue to decline

Naomi versus Mandy Rose was a very controversial storyline.

To be fair, WWE has been trying to incorporate a few boundary-pushing storylines into their product lately. Near the end of 2018, there was a storyline between Mandy Rose and Naomi. Mandy was trying to break up Jimmy Uso and Naomi simply because she thought Naomi was a bully. This was due to Naomi's criticisms of her on the reality show Tough Enough. There was not really an explanation given as to why it was decided to be brought up nearly 3 years prior. We all know though that Naomi is not someone who bullies other people.

This was a very poorly executed storyline and degraded everything that the Women's Evolution stands for. I think Jimmy Uso looked as uncomfortable with the angle as we all felt, especially the hotel scene. It was a throwback to the Attitude Era, but just seemed so petty and forced that it failed to connect with the audience. Not WWE's brightest moment, that's for sure.

Lately, we have been seeing Bray Wyatt's new character in his Firefly Funhouse segments. This is a character that is capable of working if sponsors and shareholders are willing to let WWE run with it. Sponsors have reportedly been calling for WWE to scrap the character, believing it to be unsuitable for kids. WWE is still fully behind the supernatural character and seems to be pushing ahead with it.

This character has mostly been a hit so far, due to how brilliant at acting Bray Wyatt is. He seems to have complete creative control over his character which is needed for it to work. Bray can literally make any gimmick work. This is exactly what WWE needs; things that push the boundaries and even cross the line. It may wake up all those people who still think WWE can eventually succeed with the PG rating, despite what attendance and viewership figures show.

The other concept WWE is using to try and bring back interest in the product is the new 24/7 Championship. This was basically created as a title for lower mid-card guys who aren't doing anything. It is a modern-day version of the Hardcore Championship, which was also defended in the 24/7 fashion.

This essentially is a comedy type concept that actually can fill in time on Monday Night Raw. It was popular in the Attitude Era but things were more hardcore in the title defenses back then. The 24/7 belt itself is awful looking but hopefully it takes away the formulaic structure of WWE programming. If they can blend comedy type title changes with proper storyline title defenses, it may make the championship gather prestige.

Many of these things are or can be good ideas if they are executed properly. WWE needs this PG rating lifted so that it can open the doors up to some better content again. It seems to be the only way going forward that can keep Superstars and fans invested in their product. WWE certainly can't keep losing viewers and putting out poor content. There needs to be a big power shift in WWE to make it great again. Let's hope WWE can see this before things get worse.

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