>>19384680They used to be able to guarantee a ratings pop for the latest WWE release/expiration to sign (Adam Cole, Keith Lee, Danielson, Malakai, Toni Storm...), now WWE is signing all their top stars to extensions and only releasing the Baron Corbins and Tegan Noxes
Now the big AEW moments are for injury returns, but how excited can fans possibly be for MJF to return and kick someone in the balls, or lights on-lights off Wardlow to powerbomb someone? Fans don't care enough to pay money to see that, they'll watch clips later.
They're at the stage now where hot shot title changes, "you had to be watching live to get the full effect", that's all they have. "Anything can happen", any given Sunday booking, otherwise large chunks of the fanbase won't watch, won't spend, won't participate at all.