WWE Quietly Changes RAW’s Format to Improve Show’s Flow

WWE fans are very used to the idea of waiting through commercials to see a match finish. It wasn’t until recent memory when Netflix changed the game, but before that there was picture-in-picture to keep fans engaged. Now, it seems that the company will be going to a word from their sponsors less often.

WWE is adjusting how RAW is presented, and it’s a move that lines up with what fans have been asking for. WrestleVotes Radio reports the company has begun cutting back on commercial breaks during the show. The goal is to improve pacing and keep viewers engaged without constant interruptions.

The change reportedly started on Monday’s episode. The show still ended around the same time it usually does, but it didn’t feel padded. Fewer breaks meant the show moved forward without long stretches of waiting to get back to the ring.

“Less commercials is always a positive. The fans have been asking for this, and WWE is finally listening. I know a lot of fans out there have complained a lot about the commercials that WWE has featured throughout their programming."

"So I’m looking forward to this. It did take place on Monday. So I don’t know if anyone picked up on the fact that there was a few less commercial breaks. Okay, so if you are one of the few out there who are keeping track of those things and jotting down and jotting down the wrestling time and how many commercials there are, make sure you take note that they’re going to be a few less commercial breaks, which is great."

"I think for everybody involved and especially coming from Netflix, they’re the ones who are taking in that ad money for the most part from their advertisers. So I like the fact that they’re listening to fans and maybe felt that there was an opportunity to get a better flow for the show. I know they have the leeway to kind of end it whenever they want. They’ve been settling in at that ten-thirty slot. I’m not sure what time RAW ended this past Monday from overseas in Dusseldorf."

"But it was right around the two and a half. It felt like it didn’t really drag on any later than it usually would. They gave you a little bit less of commercial breaks, something to keep in mind watching the show moving forward. But I think it’s a great news for all wrestling fans out there. Less ads is always a positive don’t.”

For years, fans have pointed to ads as one of RAW’s biggest problems. Momentum would build, then everything would stop. WWE appears to have taken that feedback seriously and made a structural change instead of brushing it off.

The Netflix connection matters here, because the company’s deal with the streaming giant was a game changer. With more control over ad placement, WWE has room to experiment without blowing up the format.

If this continues, RAW could feel more watchable without changing its length at all. Fewer breaks alone can make a big difference. Only time will tell how things progress at this point, but the company is certainly making more than enough money in the process.

What’s your take on fewer commercials during WWE television? Will that help the quality of the product? Let us know what you think in the comments section!