A Better Raw notes

Here are some things we’re playing with on this project:

Time: Wrestling shows have always read from left to right. I thought it would be interesting to play with this a little. From airing segments in a different order, the viewer can think of the plot in a way that makes a little more logistical sense. For instance, John Cena’s Summerslam team makes a lot more sense if you watch A Better Raw as opposed to just Raw.

On the next episode of A Better Raw, I’m going to take this further by actually cutting up a match to add dramatic effect throughout the episode. It really works.

An Increased Assumption of Intelligence: On Raw, you might see replays, reminders, and other instances where we remind you of something that’s happened. On A Better Raw, I assume you’re paying attention. Much like a prime time network drama, if you’re not glued, you’re going to miss something. I do sometimes feel we baby our viewers, so this is an attempt to leave behind the less passionate. Not only are some things simply cut, but scenes may reference a previous scene that may have simply not aired.

Lighting and transitions: We generally film WWE in HD using straight footage. We play with lighting and transitions in our highlight reels and music videos, but never during the broadcast. We’re trying it out on A Better Raw. That’s why Randy Orton goes red at the end of the episode. We want you to feel something there.

Truncating scenes and placing emphasis on full, solid wrestling matches: Something we generally don’t do on RAW. 20 minute interview segments are being shortened, and matches that hold little cache are either being shortened or cut. A Better Raw is a wrestling program, whereas Raw is a sports entertainment program. For example, we moved the triple threat match between Edge, Orton and Jericho to the main event, where it belonged.