WWE faces criticism over content censorship and fan engagement

Veteran wrestler Stevie Richards has criticized WWE’s current direction and programming decisions, specifically regarding content censorship and fan engagement.

Speaking on The Stevie Richards Show, Richards expressed concern over WWE’s approach to attracting lapsed viewers. He noted a trend where individuals consume wrestling content through podcasts and clips rather than watching the actual television product, suggesting the company is failing to convert interest into direct investment. He also criticized Chief Content Officer Triple H for comments made during press conferences that suggest fans need to change how they consume the product.

Additionally, Richards addressed the censorship of language and crowd chants on RAW via Netflix. He argued that bleeping profanity and replacing organic crowd chants, such as “Holy sh*t,” with phrases like “This is awesome,” provides an incomplete experience for paying subscribers. Richards suggested that these restrictions could drive viewers toward competitors like AEW, which maintains less strict censorship rules.