WWE's ratings are rapidly falling, and it's hard to see how the company plans to recover. "RAW Underground" certainly didn't help this past Monday if that third hour drop was any indication, but it seems the hope is that things will rebound when the COVID-19 era (which has forced WWE to hold shows in the WWE Performance Center without a real crowd) comes to an end.
During a recent interview with TV Insider, WWE Champion Drew McIntyre was asked for his thoughts on the drop in viewership, but it doesn't appear as if he's letting it get to him.
"It doesn’t bring me down. I’ve been through so much," he explained. "The ups and downs in my career. Some really low points. I don’t let it get to me or distract me from the goal at home. I know a lot of previous champions have let it get to them. They’ve suffered in their personal life as a result and lashed out on social media. I don’t allow it to get to me from that standpoint."
"Our WWE Universe, our audience is such a big part of the show. We’re all just giving it all we can," McIntyre continued. "I know we’re learning through this period. The audience that has stuck around are getting to learn about the characters on a deeper level. I think because of this when we get back into the arenas, the viewership will grow. I think we will reach new heights to be honest because we’re going to have so many compelling characters.
Like others in WWE, McIntyre believes that the return of fans to arenas will make all the difference. "I think when we do get back in the arenas they will attract the attention of fans. I hear what is going on. I see what’s going on social media. Things are gong well there, but they can also be better. Once we get back to normal, I think we’ll reach new heights as a company."
There's no denying that watching WWE in what is essentially an empty gym isn't exactly exciting, but it's highly unlikely that hundreds of thousands of viewers will start watching RAW again just because there are real fans cheering for the Superstars in the ring.
What's your take on WWE's ratings woes?