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Monday Night RAW started as a two-hour show but was extended to three hours in 2012. After more than a decade, it’s going back to the original two-hour format. In light of the impending change, a former WWE writer believes this change could result in more wrestlers being let go.
On the September 9 episode of Monday Night RAW, part of WWE Week on the USA Network, it was officially revealed that RAW would switch back to a two-hour format starting October 7. The show will air from 8/7c to 10/9c each week and continue in this time slot until its final episode on the USA Network, which is set for December 30.
While speaking on Wrestling With Freddie, former WWE writer Freddie Prinze Jr. stated that WWE’s plan to shorten Raw to two hours might mean fewer wrestlers on the roster. He thinks there will be less time for matches and segments, making it too expensive for WWE to keep many wrestlers who aren’t being used.
Since TKO now runs WWE, Prinze Jr. believes they will focus on saving money, which could lead to cutting wrestlers who aren’t featured often. This could open up chances for those let go to join AEW or other wrestling promotions.
“They’re moving it and cutting it down to two, which I’ve always thought is the perfect amount of time — I predict they will not have as many wrestlers on the roster as they currently do because there won’t be enough time. That’s a full hour less of matches, segments, storylines, backstage segments, promos in the ring … a full hour less, which means it won’t be cost-effective for them to carry that many wrestlers.
They are now owned by TKO, another corporation, and they will do a cost-effective … [they’ll think] ‘This wrestler’s not being used, cut them. This wrestler’s not being used, cut them,’ which gives more opportunities for wrestlers to go to AEW, to go to another brand if it goes out there.”
A WWE employee believes that the shift to two hours will encourage talent to fight for their spot and the reason for WWE shifting RAW to two hours temporarily has been revealed as well. Therefore, we’ll have to wait and see whether any firings will take place once RAW becomes a two-hour show again this year.
What do you make of what Freddie Prinze Jr. had to say? Do you feel WWE RAW’s shift to two hours will lead to more firings? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
September 21, 2024 2:20 pm
Subhojeet, a professional wrestling fan for over 20+ years, found his passion during the Monday Night Wars. With expertise honed over decades and a broad spectrum of interests including TV, movies, anime, novels, and music, he offers insightful analysis and coverage. Respected in the industry, Subhojeet keeps fans informed and engaged with his knowledge and perspective.
