5 WWE pay-per-views that should be cancelled

While WWE has done everyone a favour by restricting the number of pay-per-views on the schedule this year, that doesn’t mean that we’re entirely satisfied (yes, we know, wrestling fans moaning, how original). There are a handful of events that more than deserve to be there, but when it comes to the ones which have already been announced, we’re sceptical as to whether or not they even need to exist.

Obviously we’d replace them with some old classics, but either way, it feels like less really is more when it comes to these larger than life events that WWE puts on. After all, if they end up hosting more stadium shows throughout the year, then there will be less of a need for B-shows to even happen at all.

With that being said, here are five WWE pay-per-views that should be cancelled.

---

#5 TLC

TLC used to be a lot of fun

Tables, Ladders & Chairs is a stipulation which, in the right circumstances, can be great. Whether it’s in singles or tag team competition, the TLC genre can completely change and enhance the direction of any given feud. Just take a look at WrestleMania 17’s edition or John Cena vs Edge as perfect examples, because when it’s done right, it can be really, really great.

Unfortunately, it falls into the category of being another watered down gimmick pay-per-view that simply doesn’t need to exist. Back in 2010 it still felt kind of fresh, and they were able to mix things up with the match types throughout the rest of the card, but beyond that, it’s just felt kind of stale. We’ve occasionally seen high profile matches taking place at the event, but that doesn’t warrant a stay of execution.

#4 Clash of Champions

We need something fresh

Clash of Champions, formerly known as Night of Champions, was billed as the only night of the year in which every single championship is on the line. For a while, WWE stuck to their guns with that, but over time, several other events throughout the year featured every single title being defended, which pretty much made the entire concept of this pay-per-view pretty pointless.

Then, in the last few years, they made things even worse by having the event be brand-exclusive to Raw and then SmackDown Live. It feels wrong to see these shows being reduced to virtually nothing in comparison to what they used to mean for a lot of fans, and because of that, we’d like to see it retired for at least a few years.

Who knows, maybe they can even base one of their stadium shows around this idea one day - if they get it right, that is.

#3 Backlash

Backlash has been around for years

There was once a time when Backlash was considered to be the unofficial fifth member of the ‘big five’. It served as the post-WrestleMania event which was used as a way to blow off any remaining feuds from the showcase of the immortals, and in addition to that, it also gave fans the chance to witness some new rivalries which would go on for the next few months.

But now, it’s been relegated to nothing more than a cluster show, as evidenced by the last two editions of the event. Last year we saw Jinder Mahal capture the WWE Championship in one of the most underwhelming title changes in recent times. Then this year, we received one of the worst pay-per-views in recent memory as SmackDown Live and Raw combined in an event which made no real sense.

Backlash had a good run, but it’s time to say goodbye.

#2 Fastlane

No thank you

Between the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania, there are around two months of Monday Night Raws and SmackDown Lives that need to take place prior to the showcase of the immortals.

So instead of wasting our time building towards a February/March event which doesn’t really mean anything, why aren’t we just putting all of our eggs in the Mania basket to ensure that we aren’t cramming matches onto the card with just over a week to go?

It’s an infuriating process which has been going on for a long time now, and yet, even when the Elimination Chamber served as the February spectacular, it wasn’t quite as irritating as Fastlane. This show just doesn’t need to exist and while there have certainly been some interesting moments since its inception in 2015, the cons far outweigh the pros.

#1 Extreme Rules

Does this gimmick work anymore?

We aren’t the kind of fans who like to bash WWE for going PG, because let’s be honest, it’s a move that kind of needed to happen. However, when your ‘Extreme Rules’ pay-per-view becomes nothing more than a watered down nickname, it’s time to start re-thinking things.

A few years back, Extreme Rules felt like an important occasion which would showcase some personal feuds in WWE. Now, it feels like the complete opposite. We’ve gone from seeing Brock Lesnar vs John Cena to having a Kendo Stick on a pole match between Alexa Bliss and Bayley.

We aren’t accusing the wrestlers of not putting on good enough performances, because at the end of the day, the blame falls at the feet of the writers who need to ensure that they utilise every single event in the proper manner.