Wrestling Mayhem Show 927: WWE’s New TV Era: SmackDown, Raw & NXT’s Big Moves

About this Episode

In this episode of the Wrestling Mayhem Show, we dive into a wide array of topics related to professional wrestling with special guest Tim Titan from RWA Sports Media. From the latest WWE developments to exploring the crossover between wrestling and Hollywood, this episode offers a comprehensive discussion for wrestling enthusiasts. Here’s what we cover:

Episode Highlights:

WWE TV Deal Changes:

• Discussion on WWE SmackDown moving to the USA Network from Fox, and NXT debuting on the CW Network.

• Raw’s shift to Netflix in January and its impact, including the format change to a two-hour show.

• SmackDown’s potential move to a three-hour format and how this change affects viewership experience.

Live Shows and Network Concerns:

• WWE’s plans to take NXT on the road with live shows and bring in big names to sell tickets.

• Concerns about how networks and streaming services handle live events, including restrictions like muting crowd chants.

Fan Reactions and Audience Engagement:

• Discussion on how WWE mutes crowd reactions, particularly “holy shit” chants, and the impact on the show’s atmosphere.

• Comparison with international wrestling shows like Lucha Underground, exploring how different companies handle fan interactions.

• Wrestling in Hollywood:

• An exploration of how wrestlers like Batista, John Cena, and The Rock have crossed over into Hollywood and found success in action and comedy films.

• The evolution of wrestling stars in movies, from Hulk Hogan and Roddy Piper’s earlier attempts to the current mainstream roles wrestlers play today.

Wrestling History and Nostalgia:

• A nostalgic look at past TV shows and movies featuring wrestlers, such as “Walker, Texas Ranger,” “Quantum Leap,” and various WWE superstars in TV roles.

• Discussion on the impact of these appearances on wrestling’s image in popular culture.

Behind the Scenes and Production Insights:

• Rizz’s experience in production roles within professional wrestling and his journey from fan to crew member.

• Host Sorg’s playful commentary on drawing people into wrestling production, sharing stories of how different individuals have been involved in their orbit.

Special Segment – “What We Learned”:

• In this segment, the hosts reflect on how the interaction between wrestling and other forms of entertainment, such as movies and TV shows, helps elevate wrestling’s mainstream appeal. They discuss how the versatility of wrestlers in playing various roles has contributed to wrestling’s increasing prominence in popular culture.

This episode is a must-listen for fans of wrestling who appreciate deep dives into character development, storytelling, and the ever-evolving landscape of professional wrestling.

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Thanks to Basick Sickness (@basicksickness) for the awesome intro for the show