Wrestling’s Evolution: From Overwhelming Marathons to Sweet Spot Durations

One question has been debated among fans and industry insiders: What is the ideal length for a Pay-Per-View (PPV) event? Eric Bischoff, a notable figure in the wrestling community, recently shared his insights on this matter on his “83 Weeks” channel.

During the segment, Bischoff was asked about the “sweet spot” for PPV durations. He reflected on the times when wrestling events, like WrestleMania, felt like they spanned an overwhelming eight hours. Comparing it to AEW’s recent long show and the “Forbidden Door” event, he pondered if these shows were too lengthy. When informed that a recent event lasted four hours, excluding the pregame show, Bischoff expressed surprise, noting that it felt like the “fastest four hours” he had ever experienced on television or PPV.

Bischoff went on to praise the pregame show, particularly highlighting its role in setting the stage for the main event. He mentioned how the pregame show, featuring personalities like Booker T, did an excellent job of catching up viewers like him, who might not be up-to-date with ongoing storylines. He compared the quality and production of the pregame show to that of major NFL games, even likening it to the Super Bowl’s lead-up segments.

In conclusion, while the debate about the perfect PPV length continues, it’s clear that the quality of content, pacing, and the ability to engage the audience play crucial roles in determining the success of a wrestling event.