Dear WWE Creative,
I swear this isn’t a rant letter, but it may be taken that way. Off a pretty decent pay-per-view in Stomping Ground, this week’s Monday Night RAW was a very pleasant surprise. It wasn’t the best Red brand show I’d seen all year, but it had improved significantly from episodes of the recent past.
Why? Less chaos, more focus; Wild Card Rules’ talent in effect, without overkill (although, technically you still went over again this week); a little real-life blurred into storylines; some tag team action; and a nice solid use of as many superstars on the roster as possible; and of course, the Undertaker. But it was so much more than just the Undertaker showing up; it was using the The Phenom the way he should be used, pulling from his past, staying true to his character, using his history, and having him pop outta nowhere like an RKO.
So, staying true to the title of this letter, what do us fans want (what do we really, really want) from you, or any sports entertainment or pro wrestling promotion?
Well, simply put, to be entertained, but so much more goes into that. It’s a simple recipe really: you grab some solid talent (which you have a plethora of on all four brands), add in some compelling storylines, a dash of history, and then great wrestling.
I am very much aware that professional wrestling is scripted (the feuds, injuries etc) but I still take the entertainment seriously. I criticise it at times but I hardly miss episodes of #WWE #MondayNightRaw, #SmackDownLive or any ppv show #teamwwe
— Aduke (@prettytimah) June 26, 2019
Seems pretty clear-cut; however, you haven’t been getting it right lately for one reason or another. Maybe it’s easier to look at what fans may not want?
The Best Of The Best
One thing I will say is that as much as we all love our main eventers (Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, Becky Lynch, Kofi Kingston, Bayley); we love the other superstars on rosters too. You need to add more upper-and-mid-card talent to the mix. The Wild Card Rule is overkill at times, with too much high-level talent. When I was growing up, Hulk Hogan wrestling on television was rarely done (other than Saturday Night’s Main Event, which I would beg my parents to say up for – but, I digress), I guess what I’m trying to say is that the top talent was a treat to see back then and something I looked forward to. I know wrestling has changed a lot over the decades, but being bombarded on both RAW and SmackDown with main event talent (back-to-back in two days) is not the answer and will not help build future main event stars. It’s like eating your favorite meal for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; it eventually makes you sick it.
Doubling down. Best pro wrestling on the planet. See that Cruiserweight Triple Threat? And that’s just one night, one match amongst the many. Find anyone else alive who does what I do as well as I do it as often as I do it. Ya can’t. #WWEStompingGrounds #UniversalChampion @WWE
— Seth Rollins (@WWERollins) June 23, 2019
Don’t Do It All Yourself
There’s buzz that Bray Wyatt’s been given some creative control over his character; see how well that’s worked? Maybe its time to start listening to your superstars and allowing them some creative leeway.
This year I’m gonna finish everything I started so long ago.
It’s me.
It’s always been me.
Yowie Wowie to the people— Bray Wyatt (@WWEBrayWyatt) June 25, 2019
Repeated Programs
For the love of everything that is good and holy, make Drew McIntyre versus Roman Reigns stop! It wasn’t that intriguing during Wrestlemania season, and it isn’t now. In general, repeated programs and matches is overkill. I want Becky to move on from Lacey too; ugh, it’s beating a dead horse.
Focus On Singles Competition
We all love our singles matches, it’s what wrestling is truly about, but let’s not forget how great tag team wrestling is; its value and place not only within sports entertainment, but your company as well. Let’s not forget we have Women’s Tag Titles that were rolled out earlier this year; ones that changed hands; ones that have yet to have a solid program attached to them.
Don’t Forget About History
You guys are pretty good about incorporating history into programs where the opportunity arises, and it makes us wrestling fans feel even more a part of things when you do. We love that, “I remember when …” feeling, even if we don’t exactly remember when.
As we head into SummerSlam season, here’s hoping you take note. While one good show this week is a nice start, so is consistency in order to win back the trust of your fan base.
Signed,
Me.
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