According to Bodyslam.net‘s Brad Shepard (via @camjxm), WWE is reportedly moving back towards dual-branded pay-per-view events starting with the WWE Backlash event.
A screenshot of the email sent to fans from Ticketmaster shows the event is now being advertised as a RAW and Smackdown branded event.
https://twitter.com/TheBradShepard/status/963217271966633985
Additionally, the @WrestleVotes account, which has broken several stories the past year including Neville’s WWE walk out, is noting the following reasons for the move back to dual-branded PPV events:
Starting with the Backlash PPV May 6th, all PPVs going forward will be dual branded. No more RAW or Smackdown exclusive shows. Source states repetitive matchups to fill the card along with so-so ticket sales lead to the decision. The weekly TV shows will not be effected.
It should be noted that WWE has not confirmed these changes at this time.
Starting with the Backlash PPV May 6th, all PPVs going forward will be dual branded. No more RAW or Smackdown exclusive shows. Source states repetitive matchups to fill the card along with so-so ticket sales lead to the decision.
The weekly TV shows will not be effected.
— WrestleVotes (@WrestleVotes) February 13, 2018
To clarify last tweet: the brand split is not ending. RAW & Smackdown will continue to have different rosters. Two separate brands will remain on TV. House shows will remain the same. The only change is for PPVs. Both brands will have matches on each PPV show.
— WrestleVotes (@WrestleVotes) February 13, 2018
