AJ Lee got here again to WWE in the course of the September fifth version of SmackDown to an insane pop, since individuals had been clearly completely satisfied to see her. Nevertheless, some individuals really feel returns have gotten extra of a crutch and Triple H has been accused of stockpiling pops usually.
Whereas talking on the Behind the Turnbuckle podcast, Vince Russo referred to as out Triple H’s reserving type, saying he’s primarily targeted on stockpiling pops somewhat than constructing lengthy tales.
The previous WWE author defined that if rankings drop to round 1.1 or if networks like Netflix or USA voice considerations, Triple H simply brings out one other shock, like a Liv Morgan look, to create one other pop.
Russo believes this fashion of stockpiling pops tells followers they don’t want to observe the entire two-hour present. As a substitute, they will simply catch the brief highlights on YouTube or social media. He thinks this would possibly give a fast enhance, however, in the long term, it turns viewers away from watching the total program.
“See, it’s—I’ve not but been in a position to determine this out as a result of he has clearly proven us what his reserving type is. And if we have a look at what’s taking place proper now, he’s stockpiling the pops—that’s what he’s doing. Each time, if Netflix says one thing, if USA says one thing, if that quantity goes right down to a 1.1—oh, who’s subsequent up? Is Liv Morgan prepared? That’s what he’s doing: he’s stockpiling the pops. However all that’s doing is telling individuals, ‘You don’t have to observe this two-hour present. Go watch the minute pop on YouTube.’ So, , it’s the cardboard up his sleeve—that’s the cardboard up his sleeve. However like I stated, that card is popping individuals away from watching the product.”
AJ Lee’s return isn’t the one return that occurred lately, since Brock Lesnar additionally got here again on the finish of SummerSlam this 12 months, which was clearly carried out to get a giant pop.
Whereas the shock returns create loads of pleasure, Vince Russo doubts that short-term pops can preserve WWE’s rankings sturdy over time. With the corporate now making massive offers with platforms like Netflix, it’s fairly clear WWE must discover a stability between pops and weekly tales that preserve followers watching each present.
What do you concentrate on Vince Russo’s criticism of Triple H’s reserving type? Do you take pleasure in these shock returns, or do you suppose WWE must focus extra on long-term storytelling? Pontificate within the feedback.
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September 11, 2025 6:58 pm