Introduction
The discussion around returning WWE to its pre-PG era has been a topic of debate for quite some time. Proponents argue that the return to the gritty, edgy nature of the 'Attitude' era could reignite interest in the brand. However, this article argues that the current predicament of WWE is not merely a relic of a bygone era but a result of poor booking decisions and a failure to innovate and build for the future.
WWE's Current Predicament: A Result of Bad Booking
WWE's current situation can be attributed to several factors, notably poor booking practices and a failure to innovate and build a compelling narrative for the future. The days of excessive profanity, sexuality, and outrageous storylines are often romanticized, but they do not necessarily equate to better programming today. The main issue lies in the repetitive and stagnant nature of the events, with the same talent pool dominating for years without new debuts or fresh storylines.
The Role of NXT in WWE's Future
A more promising approach would be to emulate the success of NXT, WWE's developmental territory, where simple storylines and clean-cut promos coexist with the development of new talent. NXT excels in creating interest through straightforward narratives leading to high-stakes matches. Wrestlers in NXT are still developing their personas, and the emphasis is on execution, not scripted lines, allowing for more authentic and engaging performances.
Economic Perspective: WWE's Financial Superiority
From an economic standpoint, WWE is financially better off than it has ever been. However, their decision to revisit the non-P.C. Attitude era would likely alienate sponsors and fans who prefer the current, family-friendly content. Moreover, WWE's current programming is overproduced and lacks coherent logic. Instead of bringing back legends, they should focus on logically booking current talent and creating new stars who can represent the brand effectively.
Lessons from WWE's 25th Anniversary Special
The January 2023 WWE RAW 25th anniversary special serves as a prime example of the pitfalls of overproduced and ill-conceived events. The special was advertised as a celebration of WWE's history, but it quickly deteriorated into a 3-hour spectacle riddled with poor content. The opening Stone Cold Steve Austin segment, while a highlight, did not allow for any dialogue, setting a negative tone for the rest of the show.
The show featured endless segments that dragged on, overshadowed by attempts to jam in as much content as possible. This approach not only exhausted the audience but also failed to capitalize on the potential of the special's setting - the original RAW design at the Manhattan Center. The event was so poorly structured that it became a missed opportunity to celebrate WWE's legacy.
The key takeaway is that the quality of the content is paramount over the quantity. Extending the length of the show to cram in more content does not equate to better programming. Instead, WWE should focus on delivering impactful, well-crafted segments that engage viewers and sustain interest.
In conclusion, while nostalgia for the pre-PG era of WWE is understandable, returning to that era alone will not address the core issues of poor booking and a lack of innovation. Emulating the success of NXT and focusing on logically booking matches and creating new stars are key to improving WWE's product and maintaining its relevance in the wrestling landscape.