The Heyday of WWE’s Cool Factor
At its height, WWE seamlessly bridged the gap between sports and pop culture. The success of WrestleMania’s inaugural event in 1985 attributed to a cavalcade of celebrities, from Muhammad Ali to Cyndi Lauper. Mike Tyson’s involvement in WrestleMania XIV legitimized “Stone Cold” Steve Austin as the face of the franchise, ushering in the Attitude Era. Even WCW’s inclusion of NBA stars Karl Malone and Dennis Rodman captured media attention.
The Decline of Wrestling’s Cool Factor
Somewhere along the way, wrestling lost its “cool” factor. Contrary to belief, WWE’s adoption of the TV-PG rating in 2008 was not solely responsible. Occasional appearances by athletes and celebrities failed to revive the industry’s status. WWE’s desperate attempts to regain its relevance felt manufactured and drove away fans. Pro wrestling gradually gained a reputation as a lowly form of entertainment.
WWE’s Mainstream Revival at Fanatics Fest
WWE’s presence at the first-ever Fanatics Fest in New York City revealed a resurgence of the company’s mainstream appeal. Wrestling outshined other major sports organizations, suggesting that the industry is once again a hot ticket. The emphasis on fun and nostalgia resonated with former fans, while the sports world capitalized on WWE’s newfound buzz.
WWE’s Dark Days
WWE experienced a low creative point in 2018 and 2019. Despite highlights like KofiMania, cringeworthy content eroded the audience’s enthusiasm. Bray Wyatt’s Fiend persona was mishandled, the 24/7 Championship flopped, and the Brand Split rules were ignored. The babyface experiment with Roman Reigns failed, while NXT newcomers were misused. Pop-culture icons distanced themselves from WWE.
Triple H’s Turnaround
Triple H’s dismissal of Vince McMahon marked a drastic shift in WWE’s creative direction. The new guard, led by Triple H and President Nick Khan, demonstrated an understanding of fans’ desires and made efforts to expand the audience. The gap between Raw and SmackDown diminished, and compelling storylines emerged. The rivalry between Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, and Drew McIntyre, along with the rise of The Bloodline, fueled renewed interest.
Catering to the Casual Audience
Straightforward storytelling and engaging storylines have been instrumental in WWE’s resurgence. The Bloodline storyline, in particular, has become a prominent example. The promotion’s focus on catering to the casual audience has proven effective, creating an electric atmosphere at events. For the first time in over two decades, it’s cool to watch WWE again.
