Backstage News On USA Network’s Reaction To Triple H Running Raw

Last month Vince McMahon retired, and Triple H took over WWE creative shortly after. It seems that everyone has an opinion on Triple H taking over and it seems that the perception at USA Network is positive.

Fightful Select reports that they reached out to several sources at USA Network and Universal about the changes in WWE and the changes in ratings for Raw. One longtime employee who has worked alongside the WWE project noted that the recent numbers have been more in line with what the company expected when Raw’s deal was renewed. However, it was also noted that the pandemic changed everything, and a a world where Raw was consistently under 2 million viewers was never really imagined.

The source added, “the following weeks were be the real test, but the results from the first Monday had me personally very excited.” It’s not expected that Raw will be over 2 million viewers on a regular basis.

A source at Universal who said that they keep up with wrestling noted that they didn’t expect the change to be so drastic, but the buzz surrounding Raw can’t be argued with, and they expect numbers to increase for SmackDown on FOX as well.

When asked about the content of Raw one source at USA Network said that it felt more natural and seems to be appointment viewing. There’s also said to be more discussion about the show within the company than there has been since WWE signed the newest rights deal.

A longtime USA Network employee reportedly said that many were happy to see the creative changes Triple H has implemented in August. The same source added that they would be surprised if USA Network didn’t make a play to renew WWE programming next year.