Latest WWE Raw Ratings

Despite the recent episode of Raw including taped appearances from presidential candidates John McCain, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, or the fake Political wrestling match in the ring, none of it helped to boost ratings for the TV show.

According to Kevin Eck's Ring Posts at the Baltimore Sun:

Raw did a 2.4 rating for the first hour, 3.3 for the second and 3.4 for the third. With a three-hour special, it is expected that the first hour won’t do as well because viewers aren’t used to tuning in at that time. If you throw out the first hour, the rating would be 3.3, which still is a disappointing number considering the hype surrounding the show.

I’m not sure what to make of the recent ratings dip. I think Raw is good most weeks, but I’m a diehard fan. A portion of the casual fans seem to have lost interest. Perhaps it’s time for WWE to come up with a shocking plot twist that will create a buzz, such as turning John Cena heel, which I suggested a few weeks ago.

If the ratings continue to slip, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Vince McMahon back on television sooner than later.

I'd fully agree with Kevin in terms of the WWE needing something major to inject life into their shows and boost ratings. Raw has been the standard setter for pro wrestling on TV and needs to produce. Concepts like the limo explosion and Vince's illegitimate son worked wonders for the show in past episodes. Having some a highly controversial plot like a "mystery wrestler" attacking guys backstage, Vince or another wrestler declaring they want to run for president or even John Cena turning heel would all help.

Here's a few other media sites covering the recent WWE Political Smackdown between Hilary, McCain and Obama:

Lowering themselves into the ring at Baltimore Sun

Political smackdown at Chicago Tribune

BARACK! CLINTON! BIG MAC! GETTING DOWN TONIGHT ON WWE at Los Angeles Times Blog