Since the creation of PG Era at WWE in 2008, the company had been seeking to deliver a product more focused on the “family friendly” concept, with the aim of expanding its audience and attracting profitable sponsors. This meant drastic changes to TV programming guidelines, such as heavily decreasing the use of blood and profanity during segments. However, recent events at the company suggest a break with this trend.
In the build-up to WrestleMania 40's main rivalry, The Rock and Cody Rhodes cut promos that took fans back to times when such restrictions did not exist, raising speculation about the future of the PG Era.
According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the content delivered in recent months was considered the “official end” of the current phase in WWE. Specifically, Paul Heyman's Hall of Fame speech and the "Final Boss's" attack on "American Nightmare" backstage at RAW were mentioned as prime examples.
Although no changes are being directly planned for the weekly content, the guidelines, in general, may be taking new directions, with a product less necessarily aimed at “families” and sponsors.
The final and concrete decision on whether or not to maintain the previous approach will probably depend on the next television contracts, with Netflix and CW, and other financial agreements.
