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What’s the story?
On a recent edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer revealed that WWE is reducing the number of PPVs in 2018 owing to WWE Network numbers.
It was noted how the WWE have noticed that despite putting on a greater number of PPVs this year, the subscription patterns to its Network haven’t witnessed any significant benefit. Additionally, the influence of the cost for putting forth extra PPVs was also discussed.
In case you didn’t know…
The WWE put forth 15 pay-per-view events thus far (16 total) in the 2017 calendar year, with its 16th and final PPV for this year coming December 17th (Clash Of Champions).
It’s now being revealed that WWE will cut down on that number, and instead present 14 PPVs in 2018.
The heart of the matter
Veteran professional wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer asserted that WWE’s study of the WWE Network’s statistics has led them to the conclusion that the promotion would benefit by reducing the number of PPVs for its schedule next year.
Apparently, the WWE executives have noticed that despite putting on a greater number of PPV shows this year, the subscription trends on the Network haven’t benefitted to the degree they initially hoped.
Although the WWE Network revenues didn’t increase, the fact remains that WWE is shelling out extra expenses for putting forth the additional PPV shows; which in turn would be considered undesirable expenditure for the promotion. However, they are offset by higher ticket prices and better attendance for the WWE’s shows this year. Below is the updated list for WWE’s 2018 PPV schedule—
1. January 28th, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Royal Rumble
2. February 25th, Las Vegas, Nevada: Elimination Chamber (RAW)
3. March 11th, Columbus, Ohio: Fast Lane (SmackDown)
4. April 8th, New Orleans, Louisiana: WrestleMania 34
5. May 6th, Newark, New Jersey: Backlash (RAW)
6. May 27th, Baltimore, Maryland: Payback (SmackDown)
7. June 17th, Chicago Illinois: Money In the Bank
8. July 15th, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Battleground (RAW)
9. August 19th, Brooklyn, New York: SummerSlam
10. September 16th, San Antonio, Texas: Extreme Rules (RAW)
11. September 30th, Nashville, Tennessee: Hell In a Cell (SmackDown)
12. October 21st, Boston, Massachusetts: TLC (RAW)
13. November 18th, Los Angeles, California: Survivor Series
14. December 16th, San Jose, California: Clash of Champions (SmackDown)
What’s next?
The WWE’s last PPV for 2017 Clash Of Champions takes place at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts on December 17th.
Author’s take
The WWE has done a fantastic job of promoting events this year—every event featuring a unique brand of sports entertainment.
If the higher-ups seem to believe that WWE can improve further, by focusing on a lesser number of PPVs next year, then so be it. After all, the WWE always does what’s best for business.
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