From the Old School RAW to the up coming Slammys Award show WWE has really made use of the extra hour on Monday nights. More amazing they’ve worked even prior to The Miz winning the WWE Championship.
Why do they work?
3 hour RAWs are a lot like Pay Per Views: They are slotted for 3 hours like PPV but of course with commercials and other breaks neither reaches that full length. More recently both use themes. With RAW its pretty clear every special has a solid theme and many new PPV’s are adapting themes. Both also have a solid amounts of build up. With The King of the Ring especially that could of very easily been a PPV, just throw in a couple Smackdown championship matches.
Use of Smackdown superstars: One thing that has been lacking of late is integration of RAW and Smackdown superstars aside from the Bragging Rights PPV. During these 3 hour RAWs Alberto Del Rio and others have gotten some chances to face some RAW superstars. Granted this should be whats happening on the WWE Superstars show but its still good to see.
Ideas for future 3 hour RAWs
Cyber Monday: Take the Cyber Sunday (formerly Taboo Tuesday) PPV concept and allow the fans the ability to vote on aspects of all matches for one RAW. From the superstars in the matches to the stipulations.
Hardcore Night: While I’d prefer to see a ECW throwback night WWE has cut a few to many of those ties. So instead bring back the Hardcore title for one night and have the 24/7 rule in effect. Call in some former champions and let the mayhem ensue.
Trade Show: Think the MLB winter meetings but with the two GM‘s watching matches and negotiating trades. Granted it would be Teddy Long calling a laptop a “Playa” but would still make for fun TV.
Until next week your either Wrestling Edge or against us!
