Fans have gone back and forth on the news WWE revealed this week that Raw and SmackDown would have separate talent rosters once the latter show switches to broadcasting live on Tuesdays in July.
Some think the split is needed to give the company's largest ever roster a chance to shine. Others think they'll be watering down two shows that are already struggling for viewers.
The always opinionated Steve Austin weighed in on the debate in his latest podcast (thanks to Wrestling Inc for transcription):
I'm quoting Vince from the SmackDown stuff. It says, 'WWE's flagship programs will both leverage the incredible depth of our talent roster, distinct storylines, and the unpredictable nature of live TV.' Okay, lets go back to the 'incredible depth' of the talent roster. I don't see 'incredible depth'.
It is a lot of bodies, a lot of people, and talented people, but I don't think you can say your roster's necessarily deep.
Doesn't sound like Stone Cold is slamming the guys and gals under contract to Vince McMahon, however. His further comments paint this as part of his ongoing critique of the company's present model of scripting everything wrestlers do, and how that hinders their ability to connect to the audience:
But you do have a lot of players or people they're going to try out and we'll see how they do. Are they going to make the all-star team by getting over or are they just going to be bodies that go out there and occupy time on the television screen?
Something he's not in favor of is bringing back the World Heavyweight title, as he sees a champion who moves between shows as a big selling point to watch Raw and SmackDown. He also thinks the Tuesday night show could outpace Mondays in popularity, thanks to one thing:
SmackDown could become the hotter show just because it takes less time to watch it, and, man, you know everybody has attention deficit these days, so I don't know. To me, it could have the makings of making SmackDown the hotter, more popular show.
Check out the whole podcast, as Austin and PWTorch's Wade Keller talk the brand split, Cody Rhodes exit, Charlotte's split with Ric Flair and more.
Agree or disagree with the Texas Rattlesnake on roster depth?