The easy answer is to "Go to the fans. Talk to them about why they aren't subscribed, and suit your network to the fans" but that really can't be done because 90% of wrestling fans have the IQ of ceiling fans.
Case in point, I asked my three best wrestling-fan friends (not named GN82) what would get them to subscribe. One mentioned the PPV library so he can relive the days when he enjoyed the product (as he's into hardcore stuff), one never even thought of the idea of purchasing it since he doesn't care about the PPV's (obvious fix there) and the other laughed in my face and said "Paying for a PPV? Why? LOL" because you can always stream them. Then there's me, who hasn't subscribed due to the 6-month commitment and now after all the dirtsheet crap I've read I feel empowered as a non-subscriber, and that ordering Summerslam would send the message that Cena and Lesnar are draws which is the last thing I want them thinking.
It's strange to say it for something that's just TEN FREAKING DOLLARS, but they really need to think outside the box. Shoot, if you're wanting to keep up with the current product Hulu is possibly the better way to do it, since you get NXT + next day Raw + the 90 minute Raw that isn't unwatchable + you can stream the PPV's. This should not be the case.
-The Network needs exclusive content worth watching that is marketable and you can't find anywhere else. What do they have, Legends House and WWE Countdown? Yuck. NXT isn't really marketable since it has the stench of the SyFy version on it, so it's an anti-draw for all 5 of the casual wrestling fans, or at least 3 of them while the other two say "lol developmental"
-Different ways of watching WWE programming will always be appreciated. Aside from the 90 minute version, why not put up the shows segment-by-segment so each person can watch the 1/3rd of the show that caters to them without having to fast-forward through stuff? (That would also be a nice indicator of who's drawing) Also there can be stuff like different camera angles so you could get a fan's perspective... OOOH! How about Raw with no commentary? I will literally pay to shut Michael Cole up.
-An idea I heard someone bring up: While it's a dumb idea to have their direct competitors on there like TNA or even ROH, what would be the harm in bringing some indie wrestling to the Network? For example, UStream is cancelling IPPV so New Japan Pro Wrestling won't have a deal here in the States, so what would be the harm in making a deal with NJPW to air their shows on the Network?
-Don't give the Network heel heat. Tout was actually a pretty cool idea, but the first thing you thought of with Tout was how much you wanted WWE to shut the fuck up about it.
-And then there's the obvious answer: Fix the damn product, make us interested and invested in your shows and make the PPV's worth paying for. End of story, case closed.
ipebomb: If you want to know why fans aren't buying the Network, having the Feud of the Year so far be El Torito vs Hornswoggle is a good place to start. Having EVERY SINGLE ANGLE this year be dropped unceremoniously is another one.
1: I remember that.
