Raw shifted to a TV-14 rating in 1997. This change in rating came about during the height of the Monday Night Wars, a period of intense competition between the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW). The two companies were vying for viewership and ratings with their flagship shows, Raw and Nitro respectively.
During this time, both Raw and Nitro were pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable content on television. The edgier and more mature content was aimed at capturing the attention of the coveted young adult demographic. As a result, Raw transitioned from its previous TV-PG rating to the more mature TV-14 rating in order to compete with Nitro’s often controversial and risqué content.
The TV-14 rating allowed Raw to incorporate more adult-oriented themes, storylines, and language into its programming. This change was evident in the overall tone and presentation of the show. The storylines became more complex and the characters more morally ambiguous. Swearing and suggestive dialogue became more prevalent, albeit still within certain limits.
The TV-14 rating also allowed for more intense and physical in-ring action. As the ratings war heated up, both Raw and Nitro began pushing the boundaries of what was considered safe in terms of wrestling maneuvers and stunts. This led to a more high-risk style of wrestling, with a focus on high-flying moves and dangerous spots.
It’s worth noting that the TV-14 rating also allowed Raw to appeal to its core fan base, which consisted largely of older teenagers and young adults. This demographic was drawn to the edgier and more mature content, as it resonated with their own rebellious and independent nature.
The TV-14 rating remained in place for Raw until 2008 when WWE made the decision to transition both Raw and SmackDown to a more family-friendly TV-PG rating. This decision was driven by various factors, including a desire to appeal to a wider audience and attract more sponsors.
Raw adopted a TV-14 rating in 1997 in response to the intense competition with WCW’s Nitro. This rating allowed for more mature content, including edgier storylines, language, and in-ring action. However, in 2008, WWE made the decision to switch both Raw and SmackDown to a TV-PG rating, signaling a shift towards a more family-friendly product.