As much as there's still a tremendous passion for professional wrestling, the viewership of the product has declined. Prior to the pandemic, while companies like WWE made more money than ever, their television ratings were down, their live attendance figures were dropping and WWE stock was trending down (the value on Sept. 24, $38.82, was down by -45.2% versus Sept. 23 of last year, $70.81).

But what are the actual reasons behind the decline?

A company called VIP (The Variety Intelligence Platform) conducted a survey of the four main reasons WWE numbers are plummeting. Exclusive data from pollsters YouGov shows that low-quality writing were among the main reasons, but certainly not the only thing.

Specifically for WWE, based on results from 417 adults 18 or older, the numbers showed that 30% of viewers thought the product was too cartoonish. 29% didn't think the storylines were interesting and another 28% didn't like the characters. 26% said the matches were not good and 14% didn't like the idea that the product was geared towards children. Other factors were bad announcing, and that the company didn't listen to fans.

The bigger issue might be the decline in professional wrestling viewership overall. 1200 adults were polled and 43% said they've never watched a pro wrestling program and another 43% said they used to, but no longer do. 12% said they watch regularly.

Why Fans Were Souring WWE

Part of the reasoning behind fan distaste towards WWE had little do with the show, but a lot to do with the company. Fans were upset over the WWE's deal with Saudi Arabia, the fact WWE calls its performers independent contractors and more.

WWE may claim their current issues are thanks to the pandemic, but it's clear there is a lot more behind the issues than the fact that fans can't attend or that the company isn't touring.

The company needs to get their act together and quickly before they lose an audience they may never get back.

Next: Who Is The Mysterious NXT Former Champion Teased In Recent Vignette? [Theory]