WWE on Netflix: Can They Reintroduce the Attitude Era?
The Attitude Era of WWE was a vibrant and edgy period filled with high-stakes rivalries, over-the-top matches, and memorable moments that captivated fans worldwide. Many long-time fans and casual viewers fondly recall Triple H, Jericho, Austin, Nelly, NWA Outlaws, Kane, The Undertaker, Bob Holly, Edge, Christian, and Chris Jericho. These stars defined an era that stood in stark contrast to the Ruthless Aggression Era, which followed shortly after.
The Attitude Era: A Time of High Intensity
The Attitude Era spanned from 1996 to 2001, and it was known for its electric and rebellious spirit. During this time, fans witnessed matches that were both brutal and incredibly entertaining. The matches were characterized by intense physicality, personal rivalries, and a unique storyline that kept audiences compelled. The absolute peak of wrestling history experienced during this period was witnessed through the eyes of its stars.
Would the Attitude Era Work on Netflix?
Given the current landscape, many are wondering if WWE can successfully recreate the Attitude Era in an era where viewers are accustomed to more refined and narrative-driven storytelling. The real problem lies in the fact that after the Attitude Era, the Ruthless Aggression Era was even more violent and heavily focused on bloodshed, which is not a trend that fans would likely embrace returning to.
The Modern Wrecking Crew: A New Era of Entertainment
Todays WWE roster consists of wrestlers who are more entertainers than actual athletes. They bring a new level of charisma and storytelling to the ring, but this comes with the caveat that they are not performing the same extreme stunts and matches that fans of the Attitude Era enjoyed. This new generation of wrestlers has indeed brought back some elements of extreme wrestling with AEW, but the content is often viewed as too tame by those who crave the intensity and unpredictability that characterized the Attitude Era.
Breaking Down the Hype
WWE fans have been eagerly speculating about the future of the company. With its move to Netflix, many wonder if they can recreate the magic of the Attitude Era. However, there are valid reasons to believe that this is unlikely. This era was a product of its time, and its success was partly due to the unique cultural and societal context in which it was produced. Re-creating it is not just a matter of bringing back the stars but also ensuring that the storylines and in-ring action resonate with modern fans.
Stars of the Attitude Era: A Look Back
Many of the stars of the Attitude Era are now in their 60s, and bringing them back would be challenging. The likes of Triple H, Jericho, Austin, Nelly, NWA Outlaws, Kane, and others are notable for their contributions to wrestling but may not be ready to step back into the ring for an extended period. Their storylines and relevance to the current generation of viewers would need to be cleverly woven into the new era of WWE.
Is the Attitude Era Still Relevant?
Some argue that the Attitude Era served its purpose and should remain a part of wrestling’s history rather than being resurrected. This era was crucial in beating WCW and ECW, and both of these competitors are no longer in business. With their counterparts out of commission for 23 years, there is no clear reason to believe that the Attitude Era should be revisited. While fans may nostalgically wish for its return, the current climate suggests that such a move is not feasible.
AEW: A New Frontier
AEW (All Elite Wrestling) has brought a new level of intensity and unpredictability back to the wrestling world. They have managed to capture some of the excitement and edginess of the past eras, albeit in a different format. Events like the plastic bag incident and the needle incident (where Hangman Paladin stabbed himself and then stuck a needle in Sanjar Guzanov’s mouth) have garnered significant attention. These stunts are reminiscent of the carnage and chaos that characterized the Attitude Era and ECW.
Challenges for WWE
If WWE were to embark on a similar path, they would face significant challenges. First and foremost, they would risk alienating their younger audience, which has become accustomed to more kid-friendly matches. Additionally, hardcore fans who appreciate the more controlled nature of WWE matches may find the extreme stunts offensive. The decision to recreate the Attitude Era would be a fine line to walk.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the prospect of WWE bringing back the Attitude Era is intriguing, it is highly unlikely that such a move would be successful. Fans may continue to wish for the intense and edgy matches of the past, but the current landscape and the ages of the wrestlers who defined that era make a full-scale comeback improbable. However, by learning from and celebrating the legacy of the Attitude Era, WWE can continue to evolve and captivate new generations while staying true to its core values.
References
[1] WWE’s Official Website - [2] All Elite Wrestling (AEW) - [3] Professional Wrestling History (Culturopia) -