According to the Wrestling Observer, both the FOX and USA Networks are putting pressure on WWE to end the brand-split due to poor program ratings for Raw and SmackDown. This somewhat explains the bizarre “wild card” rule announced by Vince McMahon on last night’s episode of Raw, where he stated that a certain set of superstars can jump back and forth between the brands at any point. This week’s viewership numbers haven’t been released yet, but WWE did have Game 4 of the NBA playoff showdown between the Houston Rockets and the Golden State Warriors to compete with.

Meanwhile, last week’s numbers were the lowest WWE has had all year, down significantly from the same point last year at the start of the new quarter. SmackDown Live specifically has dropped nearly 40% in the 18-35 demographic.

Stay tuned.