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What's the story?
According to a report from PWInsider, WWE is currently looking to add more reality shows to their television programming portfolio and expand their partnership with Bunim-Murray Productions, the company that produces Total Bellas and Total Divas on the E! network.
In case you didn't know...
WWE produced one of their most successful reality TV shows, Total Divas, which debuted in 2013 that helped them in growing their female fan demographic to a large extent.
It further led to Total Bellas, a spin-off that focused on the Bella sisters, Nikki and Brie and highlighted their personal lives with regular appearances from WWE Superstars John Cena and Daniel Bryan.
The heart of the matter
WWE is considering two concepts for potential shows that could be developed soon with Bunim-Murray Productions.
The first concept is somewhat along the lines of Total Bellas but would focus on WWE Intercontinental Champion Miz and Maryse. The couple is expecting their child together in early 2018 and the series would focus on their personal lives, their work with WWE and adventures as a couple in Hollywood.The show would also feature Dolph Ziggler, who is best friends with the couple in real life. Ironically, Dolph Ziggler is rumoured to be departing WWE after his contract expires soon. Word is that he is going to Japan to wrestle
The second concept is a show that would inculcate elements from past WWE shows like WWE Tough Enough, WWE Diva Search and the competition era of the WWE NXT Brand. The show is being produced in order to seek out the next female Superstar. The idea that has been pitched for the show would include the competitors travelling on the road with WWE on a tour bus.The format of the show will have weekly competitions that would lead to eliminations, ultimately ending with a final winner who will earn a WWE contract.
What's next?
The two shows that would be produced are not being developed with the idea of being WWE Network-exclusive series but would be sold to broadcast TV partners (like E! Network). There is no confirmed date for the production to begin as the concept has been given the final green signal. Instead, these are the draft ideas that are floating around for several weeks.
Author's take
WWE reality shows are a great way for the fans to connect with their favourite superstars on a personal level by having a window in their day-to-day life. Total Divas really managed to get the mainstream female audience involved in WWE and helped the Divas in getting much-needed exposure.
Shows like Breaking Ground and Tough Enough gave the outsiders a look into the nitty-gritty of the business and what it takes to make it to the big stage. Thus, development of more shows like these is a good idea from WWE and not keeping them WWE Network exclusive will further lead to increased viewership and helpful in the long run.
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