Reason Behind WWE Removing Matches from Their Pre-Shows Revealed
WWE has eliminated matches from Premium Live Event pre-shows, adopting an ESPN-inspired format focused on analysis and promotion.
WWE has implemented a significant change to the structure of its Premium Live Event pre-shows, moving away from featuring matches before the main card begins. This shift represents a deliberate production strategy aimed at transforming how viewers experience the build-up to major events.
The company has replaced pre-show matches with roundtable discussions, storyline analysis, and promotional segments. This format change draws inspiration from sports programming like ESPN’s College GameDay, where expert panels and in-depth discussion create anticipation for upcoming competition rather than presenting preliminary contests.
The last match to take place during a WWE pre-show occurred at Crown Jewel 2023, featuring Sami Zayn squaring off against JD McDonagh. Since that point, all Premium Live Events—including the major annual shows like Royal Rumble, WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and Survivor Series—have presented pre-shows without in-ring action.
This approach aligns with WWE’s ongoing efforts to modernize its presentation and adapt to current content consumption habits. Rather than offering matches that might be perceived as less important than the main card, the company now focuses on building anticipation through analysis and promotion.
According to available information, WWE currently has no plans to reintroduce matches to pre-shows, suggesting this change represents a permanent shift in the company’s event presentation strategy. The sports-entertainment giant appears committed to creating a more immersive and analytical lead-in experience for its major events.
