In the world of WWE, the ebb and flow of star power is an inevitable cycle. Yet, there are certain individuals whose presence resonates beyond measure. Brock Lesnar is undeniably one of them. However, recent developments suggest that his absence from WWE is taking its toll, and the promotion is grappling with its consequences.
Reports have surfaced, indicating that WWE is experiencing the repercussions of Lesnar’s hiatus from the wrestling scene. The impact is palpable, particularly when it comes to viewership ratings.
A Lesnar-Sized Gap in WWE Ratings
For the past few months, the intense rivalry between Brock Lesnar and Cody Rhodes had been a major draw on Monday Night RAW. This climactic feud culminated at SummerSlam, where Rhodes secured victory with a 2-1 scoreline, bringing their intense rivalry to an end. With Lesnar’s departure, a void has been left behind.
Despite his sporadic appearances, Lesnar’s involvement had ignited excitement. Since his unexpected attack on The American Nightmare on April 3, the WWE Universe had been enthralled by the unfolding drama. However, with his absence, the August 14 episode saw a dip in viewership, averaging 1.757 million viewers, as reported by Wrestlenomics. This figure marked a decline from the previous week’s 1.888 million viewers on the August 7 episode.
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The Impact on Ratings and Expectations
Furthermore, the coveted 18 to 49 demographic rating dropped from 0.61 to 0.55, contributing to the lowest viewership numbers RAW has witnessed in the past two months. It’s evident that Brock Lesnar’s presence held a considerable sway over the WWE fan base.
The question arises: What’s next for The Beast Incarnate? After his recent loss to Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam, speculation looms regarding his future in WWE.
Triple H’s High-Stakes Gamble at Payback
As WWE gears up for the upcoming premium live event (PLE) – Payback, challenges abound. The absence of not only Lesnar but also The Bloodline, a dominant force in previous PLEs, poses a unique challenge for the Stamford-based organization.
An intriguing twist came with the unveiling of the Payback event poster. Set to take place on September 2 at the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the poster features the four members of The Judgment Day – Finn Balor, Rhea Ripley, Dominik Mysterio, and Damian Priest. This decision underscores WWE’s trust in this stable to carry the torch forward in the face of Lesnar’s departure and The Bloodline’s hiatus.
