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Pro-wrestling and sports entertainment are two very different terms. The former looks into it as a form of art whereas the latter is concerned only with monetary benefits.
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WWE is more of sports entertainment than pro-wrestling these days. The fact that Roman Reigns gets pushed despite resounding boos from the audience is because of its transition into a sports entertainment product. The pro-wrestling fans hate him but the sports entertainment fans worship him, and his merchandise figures are a testament to it.
Here we discuss five WWE decisions that would be good for pro-wrestling but bad for sports entertainment.
Also Read: 5 Rumors WWE Universe wishes comes true, and 5 they wish doesn't
#5 Heel turn for John Cena and Roman Reigns
Rather than starting with something crisp, let's start with something magniloquent. The last thing which the sports entertainment fans would want to see is their two seemingly faithful Gods, Roman Reigns and John Cena, turn into demons.
However, the pro-wrestling fans are waiting for this moment since eternity. John Cena was a terrific heel in his rapper days, and Roman Reigns can transition into a good heel if given the opportunity.
So, what is the probability of the scenario? None. If WWE turns John Cena and Roman Reigns into a heel, they are most likely to go bankrupt. Vince McMahon might not know what is best for pro-wrestling, but he certainly knows what is "the best for business."
#4 Casting aside the comedy segments
Comedy segments are fun when executed properly. But, that doesn't mean you employ certain wrestlers only for those particular segments. Barring the Revival and the Authors of Pain, the current Raw tag team division is filled to the brim with comedy tag teams and is the sole reason for the division's downfall.
If WWE wants to re-invent itself as a pro-wrestling brand, they need to let go of the comedy segments immediately. From the point of sports entertainment, this might not be a good move as it helps the product being kid-friendly. However, these segments only attenuate the solemnity of the matches in the long run.
#3 Abandoning the part-timers
Part-timers are the smartest wrestlers in the business. They work the least, skip the hectic road schedule of the WWE, and earn the most.
Sports entertainment has thrived on the work schedule of the part-timers. Their momentary glimpses ensure that the marks resort back to WWE rather than surfing the results of some indie promotions no one has ever heard before.
However, it has killed the art form of pro-wrestling. Their fugitive appearances mean they can no longer be part of a long-term storyline. And, even if they are in one (like the present Brock Lesnar-Roman Reigns one), the fans will loathe it.
#2 Elevating the high-flying and technically sound wrestlers to the main event scene
WWE has always been partial towards the giants, and that means high-flying and technically sound wrestlers have always taken a backseat. It isn't Vince McMahon's fault that those creatures draw out more money. It is just that more people buy into it.
Through the eyes of sports entertainment, they have the perfect anatomy. Even if it comes with diminished flexibility, the behemoths pull off some memorable segments at the expense of the agile ones.
On the other side, the high-flying and technically sound wrestlers can deliver better matches. However, the sad truth is that other than CM Punk, Rey Mysterio, Daniel Bryan, and AJ Styles, none of them could make it past the mid-card in recent times.
#1 Cross promotional events on a grander stage
What will WWE gain if they book Kenny Omega and John Cena at WrestleMania with the Cleaner still being contracted to the NJPW? They might draw in some Japanese fans, but that would be miniscule in comparison to the enormous WWE fans emigrating.
Sports entertainment will be in total loss. The fans who watch WWE just for the sake of amusement will understand the nuances between pro-wrestling and sports entertainment and realize the bigger picture they have been missing.
Whereas, pro-wrestling will be on the seventh heaven on that day. Puroresu, Lucha-libre, the British strong style, and hardcore wrestling will finally be under one roof and all the dots would be connected.
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