5 reasons cinematic matches are the future of WWE

Are cinematic matches the future of WWE?

While the jury is still out on whether they are the future of pro wrestling, the debut of the Boneyard match and Firefly Fun House match adds weight to the notion that they at least deserve to happen more often. It could even be what helps to blur the lines and bring in more casual viewers in the process.

Whether WWE ultimately accomplishes those lofty goals remains to be seen, but if what took place at WrestleMania 36 is any indicator, there is at least a chance that they start being used more. Either that, or the company risks giving up on what has to be one of their best ideas to date.

The question now being raised is whether cinematic matches should become the norm or not. In this article, we look at five reasons why they should do it more often. As always, let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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#5 Potential for dream matches

Sting versus Undertaker could be a reality under this type of match style.

WWE seems to have a renewed interest in cinematic type matches and while they have been hit or miss in the past, the company has struck gold with the Boneyard match between AJ Styles and The Undertaker. Beyond that, what the two were able to accomplish during the bout was nothing short of amazing and was truly worthy of the main event spot.

Now that we have a sample, WWE can use this cinematic dynamic for scripting the dream matches that the WWE Universe has been dying to see. For example, if WWE wanted to do something between Sting and The Undertaker at next year's WrestleMania, they could do it easily without exposing the limited mobility of either man.

Furthermore, the lore of both men would play perfectly into the cinematic feel of the match and leave the fans with something special. Of course, this is up to WWE if they want to do this or not, but with the success of the Boneyard match on night one of WrestleMania 36, one has to wonder if that door is finally open.

#4 Something different from the regular matches

John Cena versus The Fiend was the definition of something different.

What is the future of pro wrestling?

Fans have constantly been debating the subject over the last couple of years, but can't seem to agree on an answer. Beyond that, some fans seem to think that anything besides a traditional match inside the squared circle is sacrilegious and shouldn't even be attempted in the first place.

Then there are those that enjoyed The Hardy Compound match, The Wyatt Compound match, and The Boneyard match and are hoping to see contests like that become the norm. While that will probably never happen, especially since it would take away from how unique they are, it makes sense for WWE to at least start utilizing them more.

Like any other industry, WWE needs to grow and get with the times. Fortunately, they seemed to do that already with the Firefly Fun House match and the Boneyard match, both of which were executed flawlessly. The question now is will WWE make it more of the norm or just abandon it after the pandemic is over.

#3 Endless booking possibilities

WWE has a lot of options when it comes to these types of matches.

Do you want to know the best part about these cinematic matches?

Some might claim that it's the 'anything can happen' atmosphere or the fact that no one really knows what to expect until it happens, but the true genius of this type of match is the endless possibilities it gives WWE. In fact, having a cinematic style match pretty much gives the company a 'get out of jail' free card with the booking.

For example, The Undertaker might have beaten AJ Styles in their Boneyard match on Night One of WrestleMania 36, but it was done in such a way as to protect Styles in defeat. Think about it! Styles was tossed off a barn, plummeted into a wooden deck and was slammed into a six-foot hole. No mere mortal could have survived that.

And again, that's the best part. It's the fact that these matches can exist in their own universe and the company can protect both participants booking wise. This gives WWE the authority to do whatever they want in these types of matches and they won't risk a Superstars momentum by doing so.

#2 Helps hide weaknesses

The Undertaker looked the best he has in a while during the boneyard match.

Believe it or not, something amazing happened during the Boneyard match between The Undertaker and AJ Styles on Night One of WrestleMania 36. Some liked the way it was shot, while others appreciated the supernatural elements that were incorporated. Between all this, The Undertaker seemed to look even better.

Think about it -- this isn't The Undertaker we have been used to seeing over the last couple of years. This wasn't the slow, shell of a man that struggled to perform his signature moves and end a match. This version of The Deadman was able to compensate for his mobility on his sheer attitude alone.

And that's what's so great about these cinematic matches. It's the fact that WWE can hide a Superstar's weaknesses and play up his strengths. Imagine how WWE could utilize that same aesthetic with other Superstars that are on the latter half of their careers. This could really be the beginning of something if WWE works to perfect it.

#1 Supernatural element

WWE went all in on the paranormal aspect of these matches.

WWE has dabbled in the supernatural for well over two decades now and while the results weren't always spectacular, there were other Superstars that somehow etched a career out of it. A perfect example of this is The Undertaker and Kane, who's characters possess supernatural powers and have been mainstays in the company for a long time.

Lately, such characters and occurrences have become more prevalent within pro wrestling. Hence, it makes perfect sense for the company to continue to book these kinds of cinematic matches. Not only does it allow the company to explain the paranormal and let it exist in its separate universe, but it also gives them endless booking possibilities as well.

Just look at how WWE explored the history of John Cena, poked fun at his career and took fans on an eerie adventure through WWE history. Was it a traditional match? No. In fact, it could barely be described as a match at all, but it told a story and that's what hooked the fans.

That's why this kind of storytelling could be the future.