When did the main event opening the show become a thing?

[Dale]

And most importantly, why the fuck is it a thing? It just seems so counter productive and you're literally asking for the people to tune out of the show after it. I know both WWE & AEW seem to be doing it and i'm assuming it's a ratings thing by trying to start out strong, particularly in the WWE's case up against the Monday Night Football.

 

[Chris]

Yeah I think front loading the show has just been proven successful for netting that overall rating this last year, probably bc people tune out regardless and may not come back no matter what the main event you've advertised is. As for AEW specifically, Tony has ran into issued where the main event had to bc cut short or felt rushed a couple times so I could see starting with it preventing that too but I'd guess ratings are still the main reason.

And in WWE's case they have a bout 15 minutes before the football game starts so idk might be a factor there, they still use the first big match to set up main events sometimes too

 

[Canadian Dragon]

Yeah I think front loading the show has just been proven successful for netting that overall rating this last year, probably bc people tune out regardless and may not come back no matter what the main event you've advertised is. As for AEW specifically, Tony has ran into issued where the main event had to bc cut short or felt rushed a couple times so I could see starting with it preventing that too but I'd guess ratings are still the main reason.

And in WWE's case they have a bout 15 minutes before the football game starts so idk might be a factor there, they still use the first big match to set up main events sometimes too

I mean the main event is whatever you want it to be and you can still sell the big match wherever you want regardless, since you've already sold that ticket both on television and live as well. Placement on the card doesn't really matter all that much if you're entire show is entertaining anyways.

I agree on the timing thing as well. Dynamite's case this week like you said they've had timing issues in the past. But also, if they start the match at 9 p.m you're going to know what the fuck is up like immediately

 

[Canadian Dragon]

Also in raw's case, considering the third hour is generally where the biggest dip is, I'd probably try to stack the top of the show to maximize viewers right of the bat, too

 

[Marty McFourth]

I personally like it, but that's because of my timezone. It's so much better getting the match I actually want to see at just past 1AM than it be super late. With that being said, I do think championship matches should close a show generally.

 

[Deezy]

Champions were doing that for house shows since the 70s so they can get the fuck out of there with no traffic and let the tag teams close the show.

 

[Chris]

I'm cool with experimenting with the TV formula too, what I really wish would stay mire traditional is PPVs. I literally just want you to start with the lower card matches and work your way up, I don't need breather matches before the main event.

But apparently live crowds do so I guess this won't change lol

 

[Swamps]

And most importantly, why the fuck is it a thing? It just seems so counter productive and you're literally asking for the people to tune out of the show after it. I know both WWE & AEW seem to be doing it and i'm assuming it's a ratings thing by trying to start out strong, particularly in the WWE's case up against the Monday Night Football.

In the early 1990s, they did that a lot. Especially when Yokozuna was the champion. I also remember the main even where Diesel defended the IC title opened the show. Then they had a lot of mid carders squash local jobbers and closed the show with a 15 minute promo segment. Kind of the opposite of how most RAW shows are in present day.