Why And When Did WWE Stop Using Blood On Live TV?

When you draw comparisons between WWE’s PG Era and the Attitude Era, you will find several changes. From the language/words used to the way content is presented, the overall product has transformed a lot. However, there’s one more major difference between both eras. It’s the brutality or in simple terms, superstar bleeding during the matches. Fans wonder why they no longer see blood on WWE tv live.

Blood used to be a part of many memorable matches in WWE history.

For example, the first-ever Hell In A Cell match featuring Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker at the 1997 “Badd Blood: In Your House in October”.

However, in the last 10-15 years, the concept has been totally dropped by the management. In fact, when Fin Balor was busted open during his HIAC match against Edge at WrestleMania 39, everyone saw that as very a big deal.

Here’s the reason why there is no use of blood on WWE TV anymore

As to when WWE banned the use of blood, the decision was made in July 2008. The last pay-per-view where fans saw wrestlers bleeding in the ring was that year’s “The Great American Bash”. The show saw Shawn Michaels oozing buckets of blood while fighting Chris Jericho. 

For those who wonder why WWE decided that no more blood on live tv, there are two major reasons. First, on July 22, 2008, the company decided to switch from TV-14 to TV-PG-rated programming. The shift led to a lot of changes including toning down the language, banning words, and WWE no longer using blood.

Furthermore, as per some reports, Vince McMahon banned the concept after HBK bled so much during the 2008 match that the ring canvas had to be changed. Reportedly, that’s also why the former WWE CEO decided, ‘Okay, no more blood on live tv’.

What are the chances of WWE bringing the concept back to live television?

Well, last year in mid-July, there were reports that USA Network asked WWE to shift Monday Night RAW from TV-PG to TV-14. However, other than some offensive words and a few instances of minor blood, nothing has changed.

However, during an interview recently, WWE CEO Nick Khan discussed whether fans can expect more intense wrestling under the new ownership. He stated the company is discussing making the third hour of RAW a bit edgier. Though he provided no details as to when or in what regards, the change will be made.

Nevertheless, as of now, WWE is producing content with a policy of no blood on live tv. Who knows, things might change at some time in the future.

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