As previously reported, there are a lot of mixed feelings in WWE about Monday Night RAW expanding to 3 hours on a permanent basis starting July 23rd. Many are comparing the move to WCW Nitro expanding to 3-hours years ago, a decision Eric Bischoff has publicly stated was the #1 factor behind WCW’s downfall.
The format of the show is still a work in progress, but the general idea is that WWE plans to treat every Monday night like a pay-per-view event with fan interaction.
Virtually all of the feedback from people in the company has been negative. WWE has had a difficult time booking two compelling hours of television every Monday night. If the additional hour is “more of the same” – there is a great risk of burnout for everyone involved – writers, wrestlers and viewers.
The USA Network has been pushing WWE to expand RAW to 3 hours for years, but WWE has always rejected the idea. USA currently pays WWE about $700,000 a week for RAW. Even an increase of $100,000 of weekly TV rights fees would mean $5.2 million in new revenue for WWE.
* EDITORIAL: Will RAW Moving To 3 Hours Be The DOWNFALL Of WWE? (Great Read)
(Partial Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)