In a matter of days, we will see the new brand extension come to life. We will know who is on each brand as WWE enters the new era and goes full speed ahead with it.
While there have been little details here and there, until this happens we will not know for sure the extent of the brand extension. There are still more questions than answers, but hopefully, it won’t be too long before those are answered.
But one thing is certain, is that with the 2016 brand extension WWE has the chance to make it bigger, better and more successful than the last time they attempted this.
The company has more diverse and more talented stars to divvy up between the two rosters, and times have most certainly changed. It is now or never to create new stars and make legends out of them.
WWE has bided their time enough in making this monumental decision; they have no excuses not to take advantage of it.
There are many things that WWE can do the second time around with the 2016 brand extension. While we can’t list them all here, we can highlight some of them.
#5 SmackDown needs a makeover
SmackDown is making a big transition to going live full-time starting with the draft lottery on July 19th. WWE cannot just make the move and leave SmackDown the same. They should go all in with the transition, complete with a new attitude and a new look.
SmackDown should be a brand new show inside and out; that goes for backstage as well in terms of creative teams. It needs to stand out as a show to tune into, not rolling your eyes at when you see it being advertised.
#4 Little changes go a long way
Can I just say that if anything else, this can be the chance to knock Raw down to two hours?
There is no need for a third hour after the brand extension goes into effect. That alone is a highly beneficial change.
Also, I don’t think it would hurt to not show so many recaps of the opposite show on the programs; that is what commercials and social media is for. Raw and SmackDown are going to be their own shows; the focus should be completely on that show only.
#3 Exclusive divisions
While fans are split between two WWE Championships, I think that the US Championship and the Intercontinental Championship should be exclusive to either brand. It gives each roster something more to fight for other than the WWE Championship(s).
This is probably one of the biggest questions fans have right now.
And it will most certainly be answered soon. My biggest concern is the Women’s Division, which is seeing the best of days in years. When it comes down to that and the tag division, it might lead into a bit of a mess.
2. Tangible rewards
If WWE decides to bring back the Bragging Rights concept, then they should be able to implement some tangible rewards for the winning roster.
For example, say if Tyler Breeze faces off against The Miz, and Breeze won, the win would earn the roster he represents an early pick/trade in the next draft lottery. Little things like this could keep the brand extension fresh and keep it from going stagnant.
This is more than likely a kind of a big stretch for WWE, but it could go a long way other than a trophy for the winning team. WWE could maybe implement other draft related rewards for accomplishments such as the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.
It’s certainly a start.
#1 The draft lottery must be a huge deal
The draft lottery is the most important part of the brand extension. WWE could really have fun with it should they go about the draft a ’la the NFL in terms of trades and of course the drama.
Even throughout the year each brand could work out trades, there might be free agents, and of course what is available through the bragging rights initiative. That way the draft lottery is talked about year round and gives fans something to look forward to.
How about on draft night there could be matches to determine who goes where? Fans should look forward to the draft lottery and having fun with ideas is a great way to go.
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