WWE has used the pre-show frequently for over a year to promote pay-per-view buys. But is this the time for a change in strategy for WWE to do even better?
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| The Shield vs. The Usos was one of the best pre-show matches in recent memory. (Image Courtesy: WWE.com) |
Currently, pre-shows are aired live on the web, including sites like YouTube, Yahoo! and Facebook. Although these are the sites of which are most likely to reach viewers, having it on the web garners plenty of views – but not enough.
The quality of pre-shows has definitely improved following WrestleMania 29, but it is a shame that such good matches are not getting the publicity that they deserve. It’s a frequent complaining point from wrestling fans who feel that superstars are degraded when going on a pre-show. So, how could this matter be resolved?
Time is the problem here. There simply is not enough time on the card to fit all matches in, but broadcasting it differently could be the solution.
The Box Offices of which you can purchase events show 5 minute ‘previews’ running throughout the days going up to the event. It would be excellent utilization to show the pre-shows free on box office one hour before the event, many more people would watch, and the pre-show would serve it’s purpose much better.
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| The Pre-Shows now include expert panelists. (Image Courtesy: WWE.com) |
Pre-shows are aired to encourage people to buy the pay-per-view, so why not put it free on box office so people would be even more likely to buy it?
Comparison: WrestleMania 28 Pre-Show and SummerSlam Pre-Show
In the United Kingdom, Sky Box Office show the first 10 minutes of each WWE PPV free, just like other box office events. This is done to show people a small snippet of what they will get if they purchase the event. If the pre-show was free on the box office channel before it, it would get the publicity, and promote the buy.
There is obviously a reason as to why it is streamed on the web, mostly to increase the social media status. But when it comes down to it, PPV buys are more important that social media followers. Then there is also the situation about the YouTube partnership, business or buys, they should see how it works out.
The UFC do a similar sort of thing. The weigh-ins are available to watch online, and they are on FUEL TV in the USA. This should be a similar strategy for the WWE.
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| Dean Ambrose defended his US title against Rob Van Dam in a cracking contest at the SummerSlam pre-show. (Image Courtesy: WWE.com) |
Yes, this is more of a business strategy for the company, and that’s what it is all about. Not only will the pre-show showing on Box Office persuade more people to buy, more people will watch the pre-show as it is more accessible, plus the pre-show matches will get the publicity they deserve.
And to add to the above points, the pre-show could act as an extension to the pay-per-view, allowing WWE to book much more effectively.
WWE should broadcast the pre-shows on the box office services before the event, allowing more people to access it and value the matches more. Of course it can still stream online to further the audience. This solution has advantages for WWE as it can be a platform to extend the pay-per view, and more people are persuaded to buy. There may be logistical situations to it, but it’s a win-win for WWE and they should give it a try.
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| Could this suggested strategy bring more money into Vince’s pocket? (via CraveOnline) |
A change in strategy for WWE pre-shows could indeed be the solution for more PPV buys. Could this be the next move for WWE to increase their success?
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