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I like the ideas about brand definition that are being touted about.
One idea I had would be to try and appeal to all corners of the wrestling fanbase.
Raw - Would be your "PG", entertainment-based, storyline/promo driven show. It would feature guys like Cena, Miz, Orton, Taker.
SmackDown - Would be your "sport" show where we see actual wrestling (and call it that too). There would still be storylines and promos but the inring action would be top of the agenda. It would feature guys like Christian, CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, Chris Jericho. Even have a Women's Division featuring women that can wrestle such as Beth Phoenix, Natalya, Kong.
"ECW" - I'd have gone with this name if it had stuck around as a brand but call it whatever you like. This is your "adult" orientated, hardcore, Attitude-style programme. Here you could cut loose with Hardcore Matches and angles involving sex and violence. Not sure who I would put over here cos WWE have moved so far away from that style. Use the Diva skanks here for eye candy.
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The way people tell it wrestling moves in cycles, they get their fanbase in and then the product matures as they grow up. Then, once those fans become adults and move away they aim the product at kids again. Rinse and repeat.
I never really bought this as fact. What about all the kids in the interim? Are you telling me that as a business model WWE choose to ignore the new young kids in favour of the ones they already have captivated? That doesn't even make sense.
This 3 brand setup should work as it attracts kids for Raw, teenagers for "ECW" and wrestling fans for SmackDown. Basically you get your first taste as a kid watching Raw, then you grow up and you either become more sophisticated in your tastes and watch SmackDown or you watch "ECW" for the blood and women. That way WWE retains its audience AND appeals to everyone.
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