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An email sent out by Ticketmaster.com to fans holding tickets for the 5/6 Backlash PPV in Newark, NJ announced that the show, originally set to be a Raw-branded PPV, will now feature talents from both Raw and Smackdown. The email reads:
Attention ticket holder!
This is just a friendly reminder about your event..
WWE Presents Backlash Prudential Center Sunday, May 6th at 7:30PM This will now be a combined Pay Per View with RAW and SMACKDOWN Superstars.
Questions? Please reply to this email, or get answers right now. Thanks for being a fan! Ticketmaster Fan Support
That is a big departure from WWE's original plans, which were to only feature five dual-branded PPVs this year - Royal Rumble, Wrestlemania 34, Money in the Bank, Summerslam and Survivor Series.
PWInsider.com is working to ascertain whether this is simply a change for one PPV or a permanent change that would roll back aspects of WWE's 2016 brand split.
It's quite possible Raw and Smackdown as a TV product will be kept separate but instead build to PPVs that would feature storylines from each brand as a way to maximize interest. The downside to such a strategy would be less opportunities for talents overall, which was one of the big selling points of bringing back the brand extension.
PWInsider.com has reached out to WWE for clarification and if and when we hear back, we will update.
Thanks to Tom Yervelli for sending along the email.
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