The WWE is resilient if nothing else. The longest running television series in history is heading into it’s big Wrestlemania push on quite the roll. Every single Monday night for years WWE Monday Night Raw has drawn more male viewers than any other television show. For a long time, it was not just the males. That trend is beginning to show itself once again. Why is WWE Monday Night Raw getting red hot all over again? There are several reasons, but here are the most important ones:
Randy Orton - Right now, WWE Monday Night Raw is Randy Orton. The second generation superstar is in the middle of a feud with the McMahon family similar to those popular feuds with the Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin over the years. Currently, Randy Orton is feuding with Triple H, who is Stephanie McMahon’s husband. He also happens to be WWE Champion. That means that Triple H and Randy Orton will face each other for the World Championship at Wrestlemania. That makes for great ratings, and WWE Monday Night Raw is reaping those benefits.
A good balance of old and new wrestling stars. The WWE has always had the habit of bringing back old WWE stars such as Hulk Hogan, Roddy Piper, and others. The latest angle to do so makes much more sense, however. They have Chris Jericho (resident bad guy) giving each of the old timers the business on the mike, and seem to be setting up a nostalgia match for Wrestlemania. That remains to be seen, but rumor has it that it could be none other than Stone Cold Steve Austin himself that faces Jericho at Wrestlemania.
On the flip side, WWE Monday Night Raw is doing a great job as well pushing some of the younger stars. The aforementioned Randy Orton is the primary star, but Cody Rhodes, Ted Dibiase Jr, Kofi Kingston, and many other young wrestlers are finally getting the chance to shine in the WWE Monday Night Raw spotlight. This is how you generate buzz and long term talent.
The final reason that WWE Monday Night Raw is doing so well these days? That folks, is because everybody loves a good release television show. Monday night Raw is about soap opera, drama, athleticism, humor, and action. All of these things are excellent ways to blow off steam after a tough day at work. With our economy in shambles, every release from the depression is welcomed. WWE Monday Night Raw is very good at providing that service to us all.
Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia Commons user Mshake3
