Breaking Down How Technology Has Changed the Way WWE Fans Watch Events

WWE has made technology as much a part of its product as the headlock.

That marriage has altered how fans watch WWE events in a number of ways of both the subtle and obvious varieties. These changes are part of the continual evolution WWE has experienced—an attempt to keep up with society’s transformations.

Pro wrestling has a come a long way from being shown on black-and-white TV, and even further from being untelevised, seen only by those in attendance at carnivals and state fairs.

Whether one finds technology's infiltration into WWE and to entertainment as a whole annoying or awesome, it's a force difficult to resist. Social media and smart devices have become a part of the viewing experience.

WWE has passionately embraced this shift.

On the plus side, technology has increased fans' options. One can watch pay-per-views on a tablet or through an Xbox 360. Fans can view Hell in a Cell on the go or take SummerSlam with them.

For WWE, that means more sources of pay-per-view income, but for fans it means increased choice and freedom.

Older fans may not appreciate or care about this change. Watching WWE action on a TV is plenty good enough for many. It's the younger fans, the ones with their phones all but attached to their hands, who the WWE is targeting.

The changes WWE has done in terms of technology appear to be aimed at that ever-connected generation, the folks who will be watching the Superstars and Divas do battle for the next few decades.

It's with this forward-thinking approach that WWE has looked to extend the viewing experience beyond a single screen.

The Second Screen

Michael Cole doesn't let many moments pass on WWE Raw without reminding us of the WWE App's existence.

For many, the bonuses offered by the program are neither necessary nor appealing, but there are clearly those watching WWE in a new way. One eye points at the TV and one roams to a smart device.

WWE is annoyingly heavy-handed in its promotion of the app, but its persistence in pushing it is a sign of how important this addition is to the company. It shows that the company views it as the future.

The app is designed to add layers to the product.

WWE tells its stories in the ring and in the backstage areas of arenas around the world. There is more out there for the insatiable, tech-savvy fan.

When WWE Raw goes to commercial, fans can slide their eyes from the TV to their smart device and enjoy uninterrupted action. There is nothing groundbreaking shown on this second screen, but for WWE fans, more wrestling and more drama is a good thing.

This allows no headlock to go unviewed, no dropkick to go unseen.

WWE often replays what we've missed once the commercials are over, but for some, seeing it first and seeing it live is important. The WWE app satisfies that fan.

Exclusive backstage interviews stretch WWE's stories beyond what we see on TV.

There's an added feel of realism with these instant reactions and sneak peeks. One can get the latest on what R-Truth thinks of the Wyatt Family, what Alberto Del Rio has to say or what is going on with Dolph Ziggler and AJ Lee's relationship.

Through its use of technology, WWE taps into the desire to have more information, to have it instantaneously regardless of the information's significance.

A Part of the Product

WWE allows the fans a say in what happens on the screen and works to establish a bond between performer and audience that is novel.

WWE asks fans to shape the show. It asked fans to grade Vickie Guerrero's performance as General Manager of Raw. It asked what kind of match fans wanted to see between Randy Orton and Daniel Bryan.

Other technology, specifically Twitter, has changed how closely connected fans are with the show.

WWE inserts real tweets from fans and scrolls them at the bottom of the screen. One could argue that this is an intrusive addition, but try telling that to the gleeful fans who had their thoughts featured on the show they're watching.

As much as it might alienate the older crowd, WWE has sparked its audience to discuss its product. Commenting, cheering and taking verbal jabs at the show has become a part of the viewing experience for many.

When WWE shows go live, an instant community is created.

Fans can share inside jokes, debate, speculate and speak a language outsiders may not understand. Who else is going to understand a John Cena and Rock rematch joke other than your WWE peeps?

Twitter also offers fans insight into what folks in the business think of the WWE goings-on.

It lets fans see Dustin Rhodes' take on the action, what Lance Storm thinks of a match or how much Iron Sheik hates a particular Superstar.

It opens the door for direct interaction with the stars themselves. They won’t answer every tweet, but some wrestlers are certainly active on Twitter and have created a special bond with the crowd made possible by technology.

For some, all these added technology is like a buzzing noise in the background. For others, it's the next logical step in how we take in the theater WWE offers, an apt way to incorporate the devices sitting in our palms.