
"That's where this is going": Dave Meltzer doesn't hold back on the future of WWE
Dave Meltzer is a renowned name in the world of wrestling, having been associated with it for decades. The sports historian and wrestling journalist has been the publisher and editor of Wrestling Observer Newsletter, known to everyone as WON, since 1983, and has made his reputation into something revered, especially in the world of sports journalism.
So when he shares his opinion, it's bound to have listeners. And his latest take on how advertising is taking over wrestling is one of those.
Dave Meltzer's take on
advertising in WWE
Dave Meltzer says it like he sees it. He has not been called "the most accomplished reporter in sports journalism" just because he can cover a story well. He has been in this industry for long enough to know when and how things begin to make an impact. And recently, he spoke of how advertising is becoming a big part of
WWE
, maybe more than it should. A recent post on his dirtsheet read:
'I expect ads on ring gear soon.
Seriously. That's not a joke. That's where this is going. There's no limit to it. If there's a blank space on screen, TKO wants to monetize it.'
With the way TKO Holdings has been monetizing the
WWE
is something quite a few people have spoken about. The parent company that runs the WWE is profit-minded like any other, and advertisements have been a big part of that. Maybe Meltzer's view is not too far off, as they have already been using ads on the ring and the screens. Maybe ring gears are next; who knows!
Fans react to Dave Meltzer's latest take
Fans are, of course, quick to make memes and add funny anecdotes to anything that happens. The Internet did its thing this time around as well, and as soon as the Wrestling Observer Newsletter post went online,
WWE
fans made sure to share their thoughts on the matter. From people saying it's just the way of the corporate, to some criticizing TKO, everyone had a cent to add to the conversation.
While the chicken wing Dom idea is funny, is this really where wrestling is moving towards? What do the fans really have to say about this?
Also Read:
Recalling John Cena's bombshell announcement at Money in the Bank 2024 before his upcoming tag team extravaganza at the 2025 mega-event
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