Is WWE Still Popular?
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WWE is still one of the most popular professional wrestling organizations in the world, despite some recent controversies. Here’s why fans continue to support WWE.
WWE’s Popularity
WWE is still popular. In 2019, it was the sixth most popular sport in the world. In the United States, it is the second most popular sport. WWE has a global reach and continues to grow in popularity.
WWE’s television ratings
Since the early 2000s, WWE’s popularity has been steadily declining. In recent years, WWE’s television ratings have been in decline. In 2017, the average television rating for Raw was 2.37, which was a decline from the previous year’s average rating of 2.42. In 2017, the average television rating for SmackDown was 2.15, which was a decline from the previous year’s average rating of 2.27.
There are a number of factors that have contributed to WWE’s declining popularity. One factor is that WWE has been unable to find new stars to replace its aging stars. Another factor is that WWE has been unable to build new storylines that are compelling enough to attract and keep viewers’ attention.
As of May 2020, WWE has over 150 million social media followers across Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. This is a significant increase from 130 million in January 2020. In May 2019, WWE had approximately 100 million social media followers.
The company’s YouTube channel has also seen a sharp increase in popularity, with its subscriber base growing from 20 million in January 2020 to 30 million in May 2020. WWE’s YouTube channel is the platform’s fifth most popular sports channel, with its videos having been watched nearly 9 billion times since it was launched in 2005.
WWE’s Competition
WWE is still the most popular wrestling company in the world, but they do have some competition. All Elite Wrestling is a new company that is funded by billionaire Shahid Khan. They have already signed some big names, including Chris Jericho and Cody Rhodes. New Japan Pro Wrestling is another company that is gaining popularity. They are known for their strong style of wrestling.
AEW
WWE’s popularity has been waning in recent years, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t still the top dog in the world of professional wrestling. However, it faces stiff competition from All Elite Wrestling (AEW), a new promotion founded in 2019 by brothers Cody and Dustin Rhodes, along with billionaire Khan family members Shahid and Tony.
While AEW is still in its infancy, it has already made a big impact on the wrestling landscape. In its first year, the company secured a television deal with WarnerMedia’s TNT network, which will give it a platform to reach a wider audience. AEW has also been able to sign top talent away from WWE, including Chris Jericho, Kenny Omega, and Jon Moxley (formerly known as Dean Ambrose).
With its mix of young up-and-comers and established stars, AEW is quickly gaining popularity and could soon give WWE a run for its money.
NXT
NXT is WWE’s developmental brand where up-and-coming superstars hone their skills in the ring and on the mic. While NXT was originally created as a television show that aired on Syfy, it has since evolved into a live event brand that tours across the United States. NXT has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially with the rise of independent wrestling promotions such as New Japan Pro Wrestling and Ring of Honor.
WWE’s Future
WWE is a publicly traded company and therefore their main goal is to make money for their shareholders. In order to do this, they need to put on a good show that people will want to watch. However, WWE has been facing declining ratings over the past few years. This has led many to wonder if WWE is still popular.
New stars
While WWE has been able to maintain its popularity over the years, there is no denying that its viewership has been in decline in recent years. One of the main reasons for this is that WWE’s current crop of stars are not as popular as the stars of yesteryear. The good news is that WWE has a number of promising young stars who have the potential to become the mega-stars of tomorrow.
The names most likely to take WWE to new heights are Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Bray Wyatt. All three have the looks, charisma, and in-ring ability to be top stars. Additionally, they are all over 6 feet tall, which is always a plus in the world of professional wrestling.
Roman Reigns is perhaps the most likely candidate to become WWE’s next top star. He has the look of a true action hero and was extremely popular during his time in The Shield. Additionally, he comes from a family with a strong wrestling pedigree (his cousins are The Rock and Yokozuna).
Seth Rollins is another star with a lot of potential. He was one of the best wrestlers in the world before joining WWE and was one of the key members of The Shield. He has since gone on to have great success as a singles wrestler, winning both the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and the WWE Universal Championship.
Bray Wyatt is perhaps the most unconventional choice on this list, but he has all the tools necessary to be a top star. He is an excellent talker and has a very unique look. In addition, his “Wyatt Family” faction has been extremely popular with fans.
New storylines
New storylines and a refocus on family entertainment has led to WWE’s resurgence in popularity in recent years. In addition, the company has expanded its brand by creating new shows and merchandise.
