WWE News: John Cena explains why WWE went PG; comments on fans missing the Attitude Era

What’s the story?

In an interview with The Independent, John Cena promoted his new movie Ferdinand, while also addressing a certain section of fans stating that they miss the WWE’s Attitude Era.

On that note, Cena weighed in on the aforementioned fans’ demand for more adult-oriented content from the WWE, asserting that the WWE currently operates on a TV-PG platform and until the higher-ups put forth programming TV-14 or TV-MA platform, there are bound to be certain strict rules & regulations regarding the content shown on WWE shows.

In case you didn’t know…

The WWE churned out considerably edgy content on its television shows during the Attitude and Ruthless Aggression eras; attracting a large number of young male (18-35 age category) viewers toward the product owing to the content catering primarily to adults.

Nevertheless, in 2008, the WWE deviated from producing risqué content, and famously ‘went PG’—crafting a product suitable to be viewed by audiences of all ages. In other words, in the WWE’s PG (Parental Guidance) rating era on TV, the use of cuss words and inappropriate clothing was eliminated, with the former rule being occasionally bent, so to speak.

The heart of the matter

Cena addressed the topic of a certain section of today’s sports-entertainment fans time and again pointing out how they miss the Attitude Era. In that regard, Cena elucidated that he’s merely a carpenter who works with the tools given to him.

Cena added that the WWE went PG in order to expand globally, and dole out a product which is digestible everywhere in the world including conservative nations such as China, UAE, Japan as well as South American countries. He continued that ever since going PG, the WWE has significantly expanded its fan-base, as today’s WWE Universe includes people of all ages, races, and walks of life.

Furthermore, Cena explained that he was a 21-year old who got drawn to the WWE in the Attitude Era owing to the edgy content, and all he wishes is—irrespective of his in-ring wins/losses—to bring more eyeballs to the WWE. He insinuated that if the WWE does give the go-ahead to make TV-MA (Mature) programming, he’d be glad to partake in it, but until then WWE is going to be a PG-rated product. He stated—

“So I think everyone who's involved in the Attitude Era appreciates all the respect and I know us who aren't in the Attitude Era—and I've kinda seen both sides of the spectrum because I came in on the tail end of it and was a primary reason for the transition—I don't feel slighted at all because that fact that you watch and complain at least means you're watching."

What’s next?

John Cena is presently busy with his Hollywood obligations but will be back on the Christmas edition of Monday Night RAW.

Besides, here’s some great news for fans of the leader of the Cenation.

Author’s take

John Cena could very well run for President, given his composure and technical approach to any and every issue.

Cena is right, and the fans need to realize that back when the WWE used to put out an adult-oriented product, promoting the brand globally was an uphill task. However, with the current format of the organization’s programming, it’s deemed more acceptable by the vast majority of nations and TV networks the world over.

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