WWE Raw Analysis: The Pros and Cons of the SuperShow Concept

The Raw SuperShow has now been going for three weeks in total, and to be honest, I have rather enjoyed it.

It is starting to feel like it did before the brand extension happened.

Now, I was never in favour of the brand extension, but a look at the pros and cons of this SuperShow may change my and other people’s minds about the whole thing.

Cons

Let’s take a look at the cons of the COO’s master plan to improve WWE.

I have selected four arguments that highlight the shortcomings of the idea and why it will be detrimental to the WWE in the long run.

Less Time for Raw Superstars

Flooding the roster with SmackDown superstars means there is less time for Raw superstars.

I think this is a really unfair aspect of the SuperShow because SmackDown are basically getting two shows of exposure for their superstars.

The only way to solve this problem would be to make SmackDown a SuperShow as well.

Raw superstars got a rough deal here...there is a reason the brands were separated.

It Devalues SmackDown

It could be argued that this SuperShow concept is damaging to SmackDown.

If you are a casual wrestling fan, are you going to tune in on Fridays to watch a show that isn’t even live?

Most of the important storylines are now developed as well recapped on the flag ship show so you don’t necessarily need to watch SmackDown to keep up with what is going on.

Even more dedicated fans can just look up the results of SmackDown on a Wednesday morning.

A slight peak in Raw ratings could inadvertently cause a slump SmackDown ratings.

Less Time for Mid-Carders

Bringing in the top superstars from SmackDown and adding them to the already long list of top superstars on Raw can only mean that the top superstars from both brands hold a monopoly over the show.

Where does this leave lower/mid-card talent? It leaves them with little to no time at all to impress critics and the WWE Universe. This makes the roster seem very limited when in fact, it is huge.

Mid-card titles are likely to get lost in the mix as they cannot be defended on Raw due to the lack of time given.

When you have a Divas match to fit in as well it makes me wonder how these struggling superstars will ever progress.

Two Supermen on One Show

You thought it was bad when Cena and Orton ruled Raw and SmackDown on different nights?

Well now we have them both on the same show, doing their Superman act, and adding nothing to the excitement factor.

I used to like Randy Orton, but since he became Superman II, I just can’t take him seriously anymore.

This is a big con in terms of the SuperShow as it is just too much of this almighty act in which they always come out on top. It makes me wish that the SuperShow didn’t exist.

Raw isn’t long enough to give both guys the spotlight as I’ve said in my other slides, it limits the airtime of other Superstars which is a con not only for the Raw SuperShow, but for the WWE in general.  

Pros

Now it’s time to take a look at the pros.

Again, I have selected four points that highlight how the SuperShow is a good thing for Raw and the WWE overall to counter the arguments put forward in the cons section.

Opportunity for SmackDown to Shine

Raw is live. Call me Captain Obvious.

The point is, it gives a chance for the SmackDown superstars to perform in front of a national TV audience in a high pressure situation where anything could go wrong.

If something goes wrong on SmackDown, they have the opportunity to re-tape things or re-shoot moves that didn’t quite go to plan—Heath Slater and Sin Cara know this first-hand.

Putting the superstars in live situations prepares them for the pay-per-views they perform at, helps their nerves and most importantly, gives them exposure.

It gives SmackDown a chance to shine and could incite people to tune in on Friday nights.

This would lead to an increase in ratings and the SuperShow would be considered the greatest success since NXT.

End of the Brand Extension

Is this a pro? I would say so.

Unify the world titles and it is definitely a pro.

Brand extension has been around for nearly ten years now and I think it is time for a change.

People are tired of seeing superstars drafted only to see them appear on both shows anyway.

An end to brand extension would also increase ratings on SmackDown if they followed suit with the whole SuperShow concept.

Let’s face it, people would tune in to NXT if John Cena was on it.

Variety

Who else thinks the SuperShow brings variety?

It allows new feuds to develop that wouldn’t have been formed before; new alliances can happen in the blink of an eye without restrictions of a brand.

This makes for more interesting storylines and increases interest in the product.

I loved it when Cena faced Barrett (I would’ve preferred a longer match and Cena to lose, but you catch my drift) and it is matches like this that make the SuperShow a success.

Tag Teams

I recently wrote an article on tag-teams we could see in the WWE soon but I did not take into account cross-brand alliances.

This could really revitalise the division more than just flooding it with tag teams from other promotions.

This opens up the whole roster for new teams and as we saw the other week, it looks like Tyler Reks and Curt Hawkins are planning something with SmackDown superstar Wade Barrett...this is just an example of what I’m talking about.

Thanks for Reading!

After analysing the pros and cons of the SuperShow I’m bordering on thinking it will be more detrimental than beneficial.

I don’t think it will last, I think we will return to “normality” fairly soon, especially if Triple H loses at Night of Champions.

What do you think?

Is it a good idea or are you getting ready to protest at every Raw event?

Let me now in the comments section below.

Thanks for reading!