As previously noted, last weekend’s SmackDown live events were canceled at the last minute, likely because of low ticket sales. Some of the recent SmackDown live events have been drawing between 1,500 to 2,000 fans.
The dropping attendance is a big indication of the dropping popularity of the product and it’s a big problem that needs to be addressed as FOX hopes for ratings to increase when SmackDown Live moves to their network.
Dave Meltzer noted in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that there has been some talk internally about cutting back on live event dates and doing more joint-branded shows.
In theory, joint branded Supershow events should draw better since there would be more star power. This attendance increase for Supershows would also increase the quarterly attendance average on their revenue reports.
In recent months, WWE has canceled several Monday live events because they needed to have talent available to appear on Monday Night Raw. The weekend cancellations last week were the first time I’ve ever heard of WWE canceling an entire loop of shows at the last minute.
