Update on FS1’s Reasoning for Cancelling WWE Backstage

– During today’s episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer addressed the recent cancellation for WWE Backstage by FOX Sports. As noted, the network recently halted production for the weekly WWE studio analyst show.

According to Meltzer, the cancellation for WWE Backstage had nothing to do with the current ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and the halting “was part of budget cutting.” It was rumored to be a cost issue for the series, and FOX Sports thought it cost too much to produce the show versus the ratings the show was delivering for the network. Meltzer commented, “They felt it cost too much to do the shows.”

The most recent report indicated that Backstage will still continue, but only for larger shows and pay-per-view events. Meltzer says while they might do that, he added, “They said that they may do a Backstage episode in front of a big show, like a couple a year. Maybe. I’ve had people tell me it’s done.” He added that many of the producers working on the shows that FS1 recently cancelled, including Backstage, have been cut from the network.

Previously, WWE Backstage aired weekly on Tuesday nights on FS1 at 11:00 pm EST. There will be no episode airing tonight.