Why WWE needs to drop its 5-match card PLE format

Since WrestleMania XL, WWE has stuck to a 5-match card format on non-big-four PLEs, which has received mixed reviews from fans.

Why WWE needs to drop its 5-match card PLE format

WWE needs to revamp PLE structure (via WWE)

Needless to say, Triple H has done a commendable job at running the ship in the WWE creative department. Over the past couple of years, the company has set record profits and has sold out arenas on a weekly basis. Without doubt, Hunter has played a crucial role in the success. However, there are a few flaws in the Paul Levesque era of WWE.

Most notably, the 5-match cards on premium live-events (PLE). Although the quality of shows is good, this format has its disadvantages as well. Fans have expressed their frustration with the adamancy that WWE has shown this year. However, the company is reportedly ‘happy’ with the way things have panned out so far. Nonetheless, here is why Triple H needs to scrap the 5-match card format immediately:

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Advertisements consume a lot of time on WWE PLEs

One of the speculated reasons behind 5-match cards is that WWE needs to fill the show with advertisements. The structure of these PLEs sees advertisements taking up 10-15 minutes between consecutive matches. Factor in the entrances and promos; the gap sometimes adds up to 25 minutes. Therefore, many fans have grown frustrated by the amount of time wasted on major events.

Slim Jim is one of WWE's biggest sponsors
Slim Jim is one of WWE’s biggest sponsors (via WWE)

To keep viewers engaged, WWE can add more matches. This would allow the company to balance time between in-ring action and video packages. Hopefully, the sooner the company fixes the major issue, the better.

Failure in showcasing deserving talent and stars on PLEs

Along with its rise in popularity, WWE has managed to assemble one of the best rosters in its history. Having said that, it’s disappointing that several talent have missed out on competing on PLEs. Among the biggest stars who haven’t competed on the shows since WrestleMania XL are Iyo Sky and Ilja Dragunov.

Iyo Sky and Ilja Dragunov
Iyo Sky and Ilja Dragunov (via WWE)

Additionally, Andrade and Carmelo Hayes have engaged in a thrilling series of matches since late July. And for that, they deserve to showcase their skills and abilities in front of a wider audience. Meanwhile, Dragunov missed out on wrestling in Germany at Bash in Berlin. The decision baffled many fans who expected The Mad Dragon to be involved on the show.

Multiple divisions have suffered from this PLE format

Circa back WrestleMania 39, the Undisputed Tag Team Championships headlined Night 1. As such, fans felt at the time that the tag team division would improve following that. However, fast forward a year and a half later, and the current state of the division is objectively abysmal. The titles on either show haven’t been defended on a PLE since WrestleMania.

The Judgment Day and The Bloodline
The Judgment Day and The Bloodline (via WWE)

In addition to that, the championships are now used to drive faction storylines, with The Bloodline and The Judgment Day holding them hostage. The PLE format has actively handcuffed the division from receiving any attention from either fans or management.

Meanwhile, the women’s division has suffered the same fate. A lack of female stars competing on PLEs hasn’t done anyone favors. Therefore, WWE needs to begin integrating non-title feuds in the women’s division and, ultimately, let them blow off their rivalries on PLEs.