According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the USA Network is less than thrilled with the ratings for Tough Enough so far. It’s being reported that officials at the USA Network feel wrestling’s popularity is on the decline and the ratings are a reflection of that.
They also feel that the format with Tough Enough being both taped and live doesn’t give the fans enough time to decide who they want to vote for which is hurting the word of mouth buzz the show should be creating. Other concerns include the fact that the last two winners of Tough Enough were released by WWE before doing anything noteworthy in the company. The feeling is that the competition doesn’t mean anything so fans aren’t as likely to get invested.
Officials at USA Network also feel that Steve Austin was able to carry the last season because he has a unique presence and that Chris Jericho comes off as more of a game show host.
On a related note, Tough Enough did its highest ratings so far this season with 1.221 million viewers, up from last week’s 1.047 million viewers. Chris Jericho commented on the ratings on Twitter.
Wow last nights episode of @WWEToughEnough did the HIGHEST RATINGS yet! Things are getting good…See u next week! #hostwiththemost #MUSTSEETV
— Chris Jericho (@IAmJericho) July 8, 2015
