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Raw could go back to 2 hours if moved to FOX

By Ibrahim Awadalla

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 02: Fox Sports Logo during a college football game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Texas Christian Horned Frogs on December 2, 2017, at AT
ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 02: Fox Sports Logo during a college football game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Texas Christian Horned Frogs on December 2, 2017, at AT /
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Dave Meltzer from the Wrestling Observer reported that Raw would move back to two hours if Raw were to air on FOX.

This news story would probably have many wrestling fans rejoicing if WWE moves its programming to FOX. Dave Meltzer from the Wrestling Observer was recently asked on Twitter if Monday Night Raw would be moving back to two hours if WWE signs a deal with FOX. Meltzer replied that Raw would indeed be moving back to two hours if it was indeed to be moving back to Raw.

“Yes, Raw would be cut to two hours if it goes on FOX,” Meltzer answered (via Twitter).

While it’s unknown at this time if WWE will be leaving USA network once its current TV deal expires in 2019, it’s been debated over the years whether Raw should stay with the three-hour format or go back to two hours. Some may argue that the extra hour would bring in more revenue for the company, which is true considering that television rights is the biggest source of revenue for WWE. On an episode of Bring It to the Table, wrestling veteran John “Bradshaw” Layfield offered his defense on why Raw should remain at three hours, stating that the extra hour of Raw brings in much more revenue for the company.

“WWE makes $173 million dollars off television revenue during that time,” Layfield said. “By far the most out of anything else on the balance sheet. They make about $137 million off the network, they make about $106 million off live events, the rest of it is under $50 million each. So when you have $173 million, that’s the biggest driver of revenue for WWE, and you want to take out one hour? That third hour of Raw brings a huge amount of revenue.”

Next: Fox Sports execs were on hand at Smackdown this week

But some may argue that there’s not enough talent to fill a three-hour programming window every week, which also could demise fan viewership in the long run, causing issues with the WWE’s future. Then again, the company has been filling three hours on USA for years. It’s going to be pretty interesting to see what’s in store for WWE in regards of their TV rights in the future.

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