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It's such a tough line to walk. On the one hand the annoying fans that ruin aspects of shows are the same people that buy the Mania travel package, subsribe to The Network, go to three shows in one weekend, but merch, and will never stop watching.
But what appeals to them in my opinion will never help grow the business. When you read fantasy booking on places like this, you see what these people like, and you can see how it only would appeal to the hardcore sports entertainment fans.
I listened to Baron Corbin on Talking Smack and his comments resonated with me. While guys like Daniel Bryan can get over to a massive degree with the captive audience, I don't think those types of guys will ever grow the fanbase. Not to say I think Baron Corbin will. But I do believe a guy more similar to Baron Corbin is more likely to grow the base than a guy like Bryan.
The good thing for WWE is they figured out a way to get more revenue out of the hardcore fans with The Network, so it makes financial sense to cater to them by pushing indy looking guys over guys who look like real stars. The risk is have they alienated so many casual fans that it will hurt them when it comes time to negotiate a new TV deal. On the other hand, what if they decided to bring all of their TV content in house to The Network? Can they bring in another million subs that way? If that happens, then you have to keep catering to those smark fans and that will just be the new reality.
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