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In recent news, a report has surfaced revealing the reasoning behind WWE SmackDown stars' involvement in the tournament to crown a new WWE World Heavyweight Champion on Raw. Triple H had previously announced that the brand that didn't end up with the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns would instead be represented by a new WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
As SmackDown retained Reigns, the new champion would be crowned on Raw. However, fans were surprised to see SmackDown stars participate in the tournament just days after the WWE Draft. In a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer explained the reason behind this move.
It all comes down to the intense competition for TV ratings this week, with NBA basketball playoffs taking place.
WWE's Innovative Strategy for Raw Title Amid Ratings War
According to Meltzer, "If people are wondering why the Raw world title is being in a tournament on SmackDown this is the reason.
They know left to a normal show right now will do a poor number so they cannot do a normal show this week and AEW knows the same thing." In light of the stiff competition for ratings, WWE has had to think outside the box to maintain their audience.
The tournament to crown a new WWE World Heavyweight Champion will continue on SmackDown in Knoxville, Tennessee, and the brackets for that side of the draw have been revealed. Whichever wrestler emerges victorious from Friday's show will know whom they will have to face for the championship at Night of Champions.
As the battle for viewership intensifies, WWE is exploring new avenues to keep their audience engaged. The inclusion of SmackDown stars in the Raw tournament is a strategic move that could give them an edge in the ratings war. Fans will have to tune in to see who emerges victorious and if this move pays off for WWE