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Unearthing the long lost treasure of WWE
by Paul Valentine
On Sunday 29th January this year I did something that I hadn’t previously done for a decade.
Not since Summerslam of 2002 had I purchased and watched a live WWE PPV, something of an extravagance that I was convinced I would never commit to again. I was of the opinion that a WWE PPV could never possibly offer value for money at the princely sum of £15. But in recent times that opinion has changed, and in the aftermath of the Royal Rumble event, it has got me thinking about the reasons why?
My teenage years conveniently coincided with the much lauded “Attitude Era”, so I was naturally a huge WWE fan at that time – as it seems every testosterone spewing male in my school was. Even my RE teacher, a 50 year old, dry, former town mayor revealed himself to be a super fan, much to the excited delight of his class who adorned him with instant, unconditional respect where once they held nothing but contempt. At this time WWE seemed all-encompassing, and the only worthwhile line of conversation amongst my peers.
But just as the Attitude Era correlated with my youth, so too did the succeeding decline in the WWE product go hand in hand with the acceleration of my ageing into adulthood. The interest not only waned, but completely disappeared – and that Summerslam of 2002 would turnout to be the watershed moment in my giving up on WWE for good.
Or so I thought.
2011 has turned out to be the year that reeled me back into Vince McMahon’s money spinning clutches, and 2012 has seen me willingly put my hand in my pocket and once more make my personal contributions to his ever burgeoning bank account. So what has changed?
Not since Summerslam of 2002 had I purchased and watched a live WWE PPV, something of an extravagance that I was convinced I would never commit to again. I was of the opinion that a WWE PPV could never possibly offer value for money at the princely sum of £15. But in recent times that opinion has changed, and in the aftermath of the Royal Rumble event, it has got me thinking about the reasons why?
My teenage years conveniently coincided with the much lauded “Attitude Era”, so I was naturally a huge WWE fan at that time – as it seems every testosterone spewing male in my school was. Even my RE teacher, a 50 year old, dry, former town mayor revealed himself to be a super fan, much to the excited delight of his class who adorned him with instant, unconditional respect where once they held nothing but contempt. At this time WWE seemed all-encompassing, and the only worthwhile line of conversation amongst my peers.
But just as the Attitude Era correlated with my youth, so too did the succeeding decline in the WWE product go hand in hand with the acceleration of my ageing into adulthood. The interest not only waned, but completely disappeared – and that Summerslam of 2002 would turnout to be the watershed moment in my giving up on WWE for good.
Or so I thought.
2011 has turned out to be the year that reeled me back into Vince McMahon’s money spinning clutches, and 2012 has seen me willingly put my hand in my pocket and once more make my personal contributions to his ever burgeoning bank account. So what has changed?
THAT promo
Let’s deal with the obvious immediately. CM Punk’s promo has been covered in more articles and forum discussions than anyone could possibly have time to read, so I’m reticent to add too much additional clutter to wade through. But the CM Punk promo (you know – the one where they cut his mic off? Anyone remember it?), truly was a WWE changing event. I received texts on “that” promo from friends I haven’t spoken to for years. Some had been married and had children in the meantime and not text me the good news, yet this one solitary CM Punk promo was deemed newsworthy enough. Something had clearly changed that night.
It would be unfair to allow CM Punk all the credit for winning my viewership back, because I had started to watch the odd show, or youtube the occasional clip already. I’d always been a member of the 606v2 forum, and BBC’s 606 beforehand, and was a keen contributor to the Wrestling sections of each – even though my discussion was almost exclusively reserved for the long since archived wrestling moments. However, as a result I wasn’t completely ignorant to the goings on of WWE, and was aware of when a big event needed to be watched, though these often turned out to be anti-climactic. But the CM Punk promo was anything but, and was above and beyond a big event. That moment, nestled unexpectedly and uncomfortably at the end of a regular Monday Night Raw proved that wrestling still had a voice (and proved that several of my old schoolmates at least were still listening to it). And from that moment the tone of this voice has changed, I would say, dramatically –the addictiveness and interest in each weekly episode having returned for me as a result.
Ever since that moment where Raw was “taken off air”, the WWE product has exhibited a marked improvement and has indeed changed, even if the change agent himself hasn’t.
Let’s deal with the obvious immediately. CM Punk’s promo has been covered in more articles and forum discussions than anyone could possibly have time to read, so I’m reticent to add too much additional clutter to wade through. But the CM Punk promo (you know – the one where they cut his mic off? Anyone remember it?), truly was a WWE changing event. I received texts on “that” promo from friends I haven’t spoken to for years. Some had been married and had children in the meantime and not text me the good news, yet this one solitary CM Punk promo was deemed newsworthy enough. Something had clearly changed that night.
It would be unfair to allow CM Punk all the credit for winning my viewership back, because I had started to watch the odd show, or youtube the occasional clip already. I’d always been a member of the 606v2 forum, and BBC’s 606 beforehand, and was a keen contributor to the Wrestling sections of each – even though my discussion was almost exclusively reserved for the long since archived wrestling moments. However, as a result I wasn’t completely ignorant to the goings on of WWE, and was aware of when a big event needed to be watched, though these often turned out to be anti-climactic. But the CM Punk promo was anything but, and was above and beyond a big event. That moment, nestled unexpectedly and uncomfortably at the end of a regular Monday Night Raw proved that wrestling still had a voice (and proved that several of my old schoolmates at least were still listening to it). And from that moment the tone of this voice has changed, I would say, dramatically –the addictiveness and interest in each weekly episode having returned for me as a result.
Ever since that moment where Raw was “taken off air”, the WWE product has exhibited a marked improvement and has indeed changed, even if the change agent himself hasn’t.
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Genuinely Likeable Superstars
Which neatly nudges me onto another reason I believe the WWE is increasingly more watchable than during the mid “noughties” doldrums; the Superstars themselves! When I’m watching WWE today, I find I have a genuine affection for almost all of those on show, far beyond the imposed heel or face character being portrayed. Not only do I want the Superstars on show today to put on a great show, I want to see them do well, prosper, and achieve what each deserves, and perhaps enjoy the show they are putting on for themselves. I don’t think this was a feeling I had beyond that watershed moment of Summerslam 2002. The main event scene after this time was dominated by the likes of Triple H, Batista, Randy Orton and Shawn Michaels, and whilst some of those individuals’ wrestling talents cannot be disputed, I feel each have an “unlikeability” which even though is well documented in undoubtedly embellished backstage stories, I think shines through in their on-screen performances. Just like I wouldn’t pay to see a band that I had no empathy with – I think I got to the stage where I didn’t feel like I wanted to watch these particular superstars anymore, nor invest any emotion in them week in week out. Around each of those men exists an aura of arrogance and a belief of deservedness which is grossly unappealing. Whilst I don’t feel the current crop of main event stars exude this arrogance at all. |
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CM Punk, The Miz, Sheamus, Dolph Ziggler, Wade Barrett, Daniel Bryan, Kofi Kingston – to name but a few, strike me as wrestling fans themselves and even fans of wrestling fans. I enjoy watching each of these guys because they put on a great show without the ego-massaging, self-servicing that was always apparent in the former list. And of this new era of unassuming individuals I am also keen to include John Cena. The “Superman” has indeed been the beneficiary of some extremely generous booking throughout his career, and he has been the headline WWE megastar for a long time now, yet I still get the impression of a likeable person, who wants to put on the best show possible – particularly for his own fans, even if these are in the minority these days. I respect Cena and the current crop of talent, whereas I’m not sure I did the previous incumbents of WWE’s main event scene.
Obviously one can’t mention John Cena at present, without also alluding to The Rock. And for me, the return of The Rock is providing me with evidence that CM Punk’s promo, and its resultant change effect on the WWE product which has hooked me in once again, has nothing to do with a perceived movement towards a more Attitude like delivery. Because since his “comeback”, The Rock has, in my opinion, exhibited the same arrogance, and the same undesirability as those mid-noughties superstars, and as such, I find myself completely uninterested in his performance. The return of The Rock has in fact made the attitude of the Attitude era seem redundant and irrelevant and proven a return to that style is not required.
The Return of “Mr. McMahon
Though as one relic of the Attitude Era goes about tarnishing his legacy, one has made an illustrious return – “Mr. McMahon” - though in a completely different shape and form, in the guise of Mr. John Laurinaitis (The Executive Vice-President of Talent Relations, and the Interim General Manager of Monday Night Raw – no less). That’s not to say that I find John Laurinaitis a rip-off of Vince McMahon’s celebrated heel-boss character, because he offers something refreshing and new to the role. But the idea remains the same. And it’s an idea that will always be relevant.
The power figure is such an entertaining concept in WWE, because it has this relevancy that will never go away. Everyone knows what it is like to have a boss who is annoying, who is power-hungry and who thinks they are funny when they are anything but. Everyone can identify with it, and therefore appreciate it as a story. WWE were bemoaned for dropping the Anonymous Raw General Manager story, unexplained, like a ton of bricks – but it was clearly something that had to be done. Seeing Edge trash a laptop is nowhere near as satisfying as seeing Stone Cold Steve Austin stunner Mr. McMahon, or CM Punk hit Laurinaitis with the GTS.
The old, clichéd adage is that Wrestling is a soap opera. And as such the characters within a soap opera have to be ones you can empathise with. Sure they are exaggerated caricatures of real life, but they have identifiable characteristics we can all relate to (i.e. who hasn’t felt like pulling Zack Ryder down a hole and trying to set fire to him? Likewise who hasn’t fancied kidnapping Eve? Admit it - we’re all friends here). And the arrival of John Laurinaitis has heralded the return of this most relatable of dynamics (most relatable besides love, but we all know the divas can’t act so there is no point attempting that one), and made the show much more enjoyable as a result.
I’ve heard it said that CM Punk made WWE relevant again.
I think the man he introduced the world to in that promo, has made WWE just as relevant again.
WWE – The Social Network
But WWE’s relevance in the modern world extends beyond its on screen characters. It extends even beyond any product they offer. And it’s the main reason I am back in WWE’s pocket - the social aspect of watching WWE.
Watching WWE is a completely different experience to what it was last time around for me, during the Attitude era. It’s now an experience to be shared, on forums, on Twitter and on Facebook. You can now watch Raw, or watch a PPV and discuss what is happening in real time, or you can discuss it for days afterwards – however you choose, however is convenient. Likewise in the era of Sky+ and TiVo, the actual consumption of the show is also an experience you can undertake however you choose, however is convenient. And this is what has ultimately tempted me back to the WWE Universe. And it’s an environment that WWE are taking full advantage of with both hands through their peddling of Twitter (even though it’s a little excessive), and the launch of their WWE Network.
Why do I find myself watching the WWE again? Because I want to talk about WWE. Because I want to analyse WWE amongst my peers. Just like I wanted to do on that school playground over a decade ago. Just like I wanted to in the college common room. Just like me and my old friends wanted to when those texts about the CM Punk promo started flying around. These are understandably not things you can just approach as subject matter at a dinner party, or at work, or any other of these adult occasions, because as we all know, admitting you like wrestling in the wrong company can be social suicide.
But social media, and the new world we live in allows you to find those circles where it is appropriate as a discussion point. And as such it, along with the other aspects discussed here, has helped revitalise my interest in something I thought I had lost forever. And I am eternally grateful for that because I am having a hell of a lot of fun rediscovering my passion for it.
I am in no doubt, that for the first time since The Rock faced off against Hulk Hogan in that epic Wrestlemania 18 bout, I will be purchasing Wrestlemania.
But the common denominator of my interest will not be The Rock. It will be the people!
If you wish to discuss this article with our members, please visit the 606v2 forum
You can follow v2 wrestling on Twitter at @606v2wrestling
(c) Copyright 606v2 2012. Please do not reproduce without permission
Obviously one can’t mention John Cena at present, without also alluding to The Rock. And for me, the return of The Rock is providing me with evidence that CM Punk’s promo, and its resultant change effect on the WWE product which has hooked me in once again, has nothing to do with a perceived movement towards a more Attitude like delivery. Because since his “comeback”, The Rock has, in my opinion, exhibited the same arrogance, and the same undesirability as those mid-noughties superstars, and as such, I find myself completely uninterested in his performance. The return of The Rock has in fact made the attitude of the Attitude era seem redundant and irrelevant and proven a return to that style is not required.
The Return of “Mr. McMahon
Though as one relic of the Attitude Era goes about tarnishing his legacy, one has made an illustrious return – “Mr. McMahon” - though in a completely different shape and form, in the guise of Mr. John Laurinaitis (The Executive Vice-President of Talent Relations, and the Interim General Manager of Monday Night Raw – no less). That’s not to say that I find John Laurinaitis a rip-off of Vince McMahon’s celebrated heel-boss character, because he offers something refreshing and new to the role. But the idea remains the same. And it’s an idea that will always be relevant.
The power figure is such an entertaining concept in WWE, because it has this relevancy that will never go away. Everyone knows what it is like to have a boss who is annoying, who is power-hungry and who thinks they are funny when they are anything but. Everyone can identify with it, and therefore appreciate it as a story. WWE were bemoaned for dropping the Anonymous Raw General Manager story, unexplained, like a ton of bricks – but it was clearly something that had to be done. Seeing Edge trash a laptop is nowhere near as satisfying as seeing Stone Cold Steve Austin stunner Mr. McMahon, or CM Punk hit Laurinaitis with the GTS.
The old, clichéd adage is that Wrestling is a soap opera. And as such the characters within a soap opera have to be ones you can empathise with. Sure they are exaggerated caricatures of real life, but they have identifiable characteristics we can all relate to (i.e. who hasn’t felt like pulling Zack Ryder down a hole and trying to set fire to him? Likewise who hasn’t fancied kidnapping Eve? Admit it - we’re all friends here). And the arrival of John Laurinaitis has heralded the return of this most relatable of dynamics (most relatable besides love, but we all know the divas can’t act so there is no point attempting that one), and made the show much more enjoyable as a result.
I’ve heard it said that CM Punk made WWE relevant again.
I think the man he introduced the world to in that promo, has made WWE just as relevant again.
WWE – The Social Network
But WWE’s relevance in the modern world extends beyond its on screen characters. It extends even beyond any product they offer. And it’s the main reason I am back in WWE’s pocket - the social aspect of watching WWE.
Watching WWE is a completely different experience to what it was last time around for me, during the Attitude era. It’s now an experience to be shared, on forums, on Twitter and on Facebook. You can now watch Raw, or watch a PPV and discuss what is happening in real time, or you can discuss it for days afterwards – however you choose, however is convenient. Likewise in the era of Sky+ and TiVo, the actual consumption of the show is also an experience you can undertake however you choose, however is convenient. And this is what has ultimately tempted me back to the WWE Universe. And it’s an environment that WWE are taking full advantage of with both hands through their peddling of Twitter (even though it’s a little excessive), and the launch of their WWE Network.
Why do I find myself watching the WWE again? Because I want to talk about WWE. Because I want to analyse WWE amongst my peers. Just like I wanted to do on that school playground over a decade ago. Just like I wanted to in the college common room. Just like me and my old friends wanted to when those texts about the CM Punk promo started flying around. These are understandably not things you can just approach as subject matter at a dinner party, or at work, or any other of these adult occasions, because as we all know, admitting you like wrestling in the wrong company can be social suicide.
But social media, and the new world we live in allows you to find those circles where it is appropriate as a discussion point. And as such it, along with the other aspects discussed here, has helped revitalise my interest in something I thought I had lost forever. And I am eternally grateful for that because I am having a hell of a lot of fun rediscovering my passion for it.
I am in no doubt, that for the first time since The Rock faced off against Hulk Hogan in that epic Wrestlemania 18 bout, I will be purchasing Wrestlemania.
But the common denominator of my interest will not be The Rock. It will be the people!
If you wish to discuss this article with our members, please visit the 606v2 forum
You can follow v2 wrestling on Twitter at @606v2wrestling
(c) Copyright 606v2 2012. Please do not reproduce without permission