It seems everyone who has ever watched a wrestling match has advice for how Vince & WWE Creative can fix sagging ratings, meandering plotlines, character development & the bottom line; well, I’m no exception.
But – unlike many complaints – I’ve not read my particular sentiments expressed by many others online and since this is my article…
1) Storylines:
I believe it was the great Jim Cornette who surmised that a promotion could recycle story lines every 7 years. Now, that was true back in the territorial days when you wouldn’t see another region’s stories, but in this digital, Youtube-age, recycling would be caught immediately, right? Not to the casual viewer you’re trying to turn into a fan.
2) Chronology:
I am referring here to DVD releases and shows of yesteryear that will undoubtedly appear on the developing WWE Network.
In addition to the matches themselves (on TV or DVD) being in story-line order, I – a loyal fan – would like to see “Superstars of Wrestling”, “Prime Time Wrestling” & even “TNT” episodes – in order. (That last one if only for its “kitsch” value.)
If there were 48 episodes of “Raw” aired in a year, split that into two volumes of 24 episodes (in order, per year) and release them on DVD. We, as fans and collectors, WILL purchase them. Dip into your vast, historic, video library & make some scratch while pleasing your fans.
3) Legends:
Am I seriously the only one who thinks a “Legends League” with its own belts (that don’t change hands nightly) with all the people who have Legends Contracts with the WWE (and others who are still able to wrestle) is worthy of its own weekly broadcast? You can start off with a tournament for each belt to determine the new “Legends Champion”.
4) Women’s Wrestling:
I’m alone in my opinion of this, but hear me out: Get rid of it.
Women’s wrestling (much like the tag-team division) hasn’t been taken seriously by the WWE in years. Until the time is going to be devoted to treat it with the respect it deserves, just turn all the “Divas” into referees in short, tight, black & white referee outfits.
5) Managers:
Some fans believe that in this day and age, managers serve no purpose. I’ll believe this when I see someone besides CM Punk cut a decent promo.
6) Jobbers aka “Enhancement Talent”:
In some fashion, bring them back.
Why would I pay to see two wrestlers wrestle against each other on a PPV when I just watched them a few nights or weeks ago for free on TV?
(Answer: I wouldn’t. Which is why The Rock, Mick Foley & others are brought back at different times.)
Are my suggestions THE answers for bringing wrestling back to its glory days? Of course not. You could list a hundred things that need to be changed – and like me – you’d be right about 30% of the time.
But maybe, just maybe, if Vince & Co. took an occasional piece of solid advice from the people who watch his “sports entertainment”, we fans would feel better about being fans…something I haven’t felt in years.
If people want to contact Shane or read more of his adventures, they can email [email protected]
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