Backstage News On Why Vince McMahon Introduced The “Wild Card Rule” On Raw

Vince McMahon kicked off Monday Night Raw this week, and it wasn’t long before Vince announced the brand new “Wild Card Rule.”

The “Wild Card Rule” will allow four wrestlers to jump back and forth between Raw and SmackDown Live, and vice versa.

Dave Meltzer noted on Wrestling Observer Radio that the introduction of the “Wild Card Rule” is a response to outside pressure from NBCUniversal and Fox regarding ratings.

It was also noted that Vince McMahon didn’t want to give up the idea of having two separate brands, which is one of the reasons the new rule was created.

NBCUniversal was reportedly unhappy about the recent ratings drop with Raw, and while asking about the drop there were apparently questions about why WWE would send Roman Reigns to SmackDown.

There is pressure from both Fox and NBCUniversal to have top stars work both shows.