According to Dave Meltzer on a recent edition of The Wrestling Observer Radio Program, WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon created The Wild Card Rule as a response to the pressure from NBCUniversal (USA Network) & FOX that The WWE has to keep the ratings at a certain level.
Vince McMahon reportedly did not want the idea of having separate brands being instilled onto the minds of the executives from NBCUniversal (USA Network) & FOX. As previously reported, The Wild Card Rule will see 4 Superstars from Monday Night RAW being able to show up on SmackDown LIVE each week while 4 Superstars from SmackDown LIVE will also be able to show up on Monday Night RAW each week.
WWE has been facing immense pressure from NBCUniversal & FOX to bring the ratings up. These networks will not be happy with how bad the ratings are, especially if it continues until this coming fall due to the amount of money they are paying WWE. FOX & NBCUniversal reportedly want star power on both shows and there has been a feeling that the brands don’t have enough star power individually.
It was also noted that FOX wants both the storylines of Monday Night RAW & SmackDown LIVE to happen on the blue brand when the show begins on their network on Friday nights in October. NBCUniversal was reportedly upset about the recent drop in ratings, especially for the third hour and they were asking questions about the decline, specifically why they would give away a top star like Roman Reigns to SmackDown LIVE. There has been immense pressure from both NBCUniversal & FOX to have the top WWE Superstars work both shows.
