Ever since John Cena captured the WWE Championship and transitioned himself as the face of the company, it would seem as if wrestling fans would cry out how they missed and longed for the Attitude Era. When WWE made the switch from TV-14 over to a PG product, this became even more apparent. Some arguments held weight—others, not so much. Either way, in more recent times, it would seem that the balance has begun to shift. It begs the question...why?
The Wrestling
I think the strongest reason for the current day product starting to become more favored is for the in-ring action. The Attitude Era had so much more star power, but the wrestling wasn't quite up to par. They had guys like Chris Benoit, Kurt Angle and Chris Jericho who I'd put up against anyone, but outside of those three guys, the rest roster can't compare to the quality of wrestling in today's product. We have guys like Daniel Bryan, Dolph Ziggler, Cesaro, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose and even CM Punk again if he returns. Not only do we have a larger quantity of great performers, but they deliver more consistently. When it comes down to it, it's no contest.
Education on the Dangers
A lot of the crazy stunts, chair shots to the head and violence from the Attitude Era have become increasingly frowned upon. This is no doubt in light of the dangers of concussions and the stories coming out of guys hooked on pain meds and alcohol. People that once argued that the Attitude Era was better simply due to being more "extreme" have changed their tone. In some cases, I find that WWE has toned down too much. With that said, overall, the current product provides such a better life style for the talent.
A lot of the crazy stunts, chair shots to the head and violence from the Attitude Era have become increasingly frowned upon. This is no doubt in light of the dangers of concussions and the stories coming out of guys hooked on pain meds and alcohol. People that once argued that the Attitude Era was better simply due to being more "extreme" have changed their tone. In some cases, I find that WWE has toned down too much. With that said, overall, the current product provides such a better life style for the talent.
PG Isn't A Dirty Word
Lastly, I believe that people are finally coming around and realizing just because something is labeled PG doesn't necessarily mean it is bad. Sure, they're catering towards a younger demographic now, but that doesn't mean it has to be a poor product. Bad booking is what makes a bad product, not the target audience. I've seen plenty of PG movies that have been leaps and bounds better than some of the oversaturated violent garbage out there. The same thing applies to wrestling. You can make great, compelling storylines that have an edge and still be classified as PG. In more recent years, I think people are seeing that.
Lastly, I believe that people are finally coming around and realizing just because something is labeled PG doesn't necessarily mean it is bad. Sure, they're catering towards a younger demographic now, but that doesn't mean it has to be a poor product. Bad booking is what makes a bad product, not the target audience. I've seen plenty of PG movies that have been leaps and bounds better than some of the oversaturated violent garbage out there. The same thing applies to wrestling. You can make great, compelling storylines that have an edge and still be classified as PG. In more recent years, I think people are seeing that.
I personally grew up in the Attitude Era and was definitely more invested, partially due to being younger and partially due to the product just being so much hotter at the time. If all your friends like something, chances are you're going to get into it, too. Because of that, I'll always look more fondly back on those days. But it's nice to see a shift in perception and people stepping away from their more ignorant views and giving today's product a chance.
So what do you like better? Today's product or the old? Let me know what you think in the comments below.
So what do you like better? Today's product or the old? Let me know what you think in the comments below.
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