It’s been a big year for WWE pay-per-views thanks to the brand split. Raw and SmackDown both have brand exclusive pay-per-views now, WWE has aired several live NXT Takeover specials, and of course the big four remain intact. With Raw and SmackDown both airing monthly pay-per-views, there’s certainly a lot of content for fans to consume, and it could feel a little bit like PPV overload to some.
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter is reporting that WWE plans to cut back on pay-per-views in 2017. The details haven’t been completely worked out yet, but there will reportedly be less shows than the company originally planned.
WrestleMania is set to hit the Orlando, FL area in April of 2017, and the area will turn into a wrestling fan’s paradise for a week. WWE will be holding several events, including NXT Takeover, the Hall of Fame ceremony, Raw, SmackDown and of course WrestleMania 33.
Normally WWE airs the Hall of Fame ceremony the Saturday night before WrestleMania, but next year, the company will be doing things a little bit differently. In 2017 the Hall of Fame ceremony will air on the WWE Network on Friday night, while NXT Takeover takes the Saturday night spot.
The company is using the same arena for Raw, SmackDown, NXT and the Hall of Fame, and according to the WON, WWE moved the Hall of Fame ceremony to Friday because of the stage set up.
If WWE held the Hall of Fame on Saturday they would have to set up the arena for a live show on Friday, then switch to a different set up for Saturday, then back to the live set up on Monday. For WrestleMania 31 weekend the events were held in two separate venues, so there wasn’t a conflict.
