In the past, WWE pay-per-view events commonly featured up to ten matches on a single card. However, in recent years, WWE has significantly reduced the number of matches, typically presenting around four to five bouts per event. Meanwhile, other wrestling promotions like AEW continue to offer longer shows, often lasting close to four hours with packed match cards.
Bruce Prichard on Match Quantity
Bruce Prichard, a WWE veteran and commentator on the “Something To Wrestle” podcast, shared his views on the evolving format of WWE pay-per-view events. While revisiting some of his favourite older WWE pay-per-views, he expressed a preference for the shorter length of current events. Prichard described ten-match cards as “hard to watch” due to their often bloated nature. He explained, “At the end of the night, what do you remember? You’re most likely going to remember the main event – the last match you saw.”
Impact on Storytelling and Audience Engagement
Prichard highlighted how back-to-back matches can overshadow important mid-card bouts that carry significant storylines or angles. He believes that having fewer matches allows those key narratives to stand out. However, he acknowledged the ongoing pressure within WWE to include more wrestlers on the card, stating, “Sometimes – yeah – you have to battle that demon of ‘Oh my God, we have to get more people on this!’”
Changing Viewing Habits and Wrestling’s Future
The veteran also pointed out that the way fans consume wrestling has changed, especially with the rise of streaming platforms. These shifts have altered pay-per-view buys and viewing time compared to previous generations. While wrestlers may still aspire to achieve a memorable “WrestleMania moment,” Prichard believes its significance is not as pronounced today as it once was.
Note: Quotes are credited to “Something To Wrestle,” with transcription courtesy of Wrestling Inc.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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