Report: WWE Wildcard Very Unpopular Backstage

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful is reporting that the new wildcard rule introduced on WWE Raw and SmackDown is unpopular with almost everyone backstage.

Sapp is reporting that “all but one” of the wrestlers and backstage staff he spoke to think the wildcard is a bad idea, echoing fan reaction that the rule is a “crutch” for much of the roster.

“I wouldn’t hate it if it was one person on a show, but it’s a crutch,” said one anonymous star.

The wildcard rule was reportedly introduced as a compromise between Vince McMahon and the USA Network/FOX, who were allegedly pushing for an end to the brand split.

While it has meant more big stars on both Raw and SmackDown, it has led to even less TV time for smaller stars and women’s matches.

This unhappiness is perhaps why the 24/7 belt was introduced on Raw this past week, as it gives the unused and under-utilised stars something to do, even if it’s basically a comedy championship.

With almost every match on this week’s SmackDown featuring one if not two members of the Raw roster, how long will WWE be able to maintain this before calling an end to the brand split once again?

• Wildcard Rule
• Brand Split
• Vince McMahon
• wwe

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