#5 The story is not being told
When Bret Hart battled Shawn Michaels during their famous run, fans were more than entertained. The work done in the ring was beyond epic, it was instantly classic. They matched each other move for move, and they took fans on a ride until the final bell.
The same could be said of Stone Cold versus The Rock, Triple H versus The Undertaker, and Brock Lesnar versus Kurt Angle. All of these rivalries share more in common than just legendary names; they also share great storytelling.
Pacing is everything, and the time is just not being taken now the way it once was. Much of the blame for this lies with the booking of course; if guys only get 15 minutes for a main event, then they feel forced to cram too much into the match.
But much of the blame must also fall with the style, which is all flash with little substance. Matches are more stunt shows than chain wrestling, and the guys involved are putting themselves at serious risk as a result.
Pro wrestling’s very foundation is the storytelling. It’s what sets the business apart from every other professional sport. When fans do not get a story they can emotionally connect to, then the objective is not met for that match. If it happens too often, then it’s no longer pro wrestling, and the point is completely lost in the process.
