Why Does WWE Rely on Wrestlers in Their 50s for Main Events?
Ratings and money: These are the primary drivers of WWE's decision-making process, particularly when it comes to main events of their pay-per-views (PPVs). Despite their vast roster of talented wrestlers, WWE often opts to feature older wrestlers in the main events. This strategy raises questions about WWE's priorities and long-term sustainability.
WWE’s Strategic Analysis of Main Events
WWE has a history of bringing back established wrestlers in their 50s to anchor their PPVs. However, it’s crucial to understand that not all of WWE's past PPVs have relied heavily on older wrestlers for main events.
Recent PPVs and Main Events
Over the past two years, only about 18 percent of WWE's main events featured wrestlers over 50. Let's break down the statistics:
Payback: Reigns, Braun, Fiend (no 50 wrestlers) SummerSlam: Braun, Fiend (no 50 wrestlers) Extreme Rules: Braun, Fiend (no 50 wrestlers) Backlash: Edge, Orton (Edge is 46) Money in the Bank: Rey Mysterio (45) WrestleMania Day 2: Lesnar, McIntyre X Super ShowDown: Fiend, Goldberger (no 50 wrestlers) Royal Rumble: 30-Man Royal Rumble TLC: Asuka, Sane vs. Lynch, Flair (no 50 wrestlers) Survivor Series: Lynch, Bayley, Basie (no 50 wrestlers) Crown Jewel: Rollins, Fiend Hell in a Cell: Rollins, Fiend Clash of Champions: Rollins, Braun SummerSlam: Rollins, Lesnar Extreme Rules: Rollins, Lesnar X Super ShowDown: Undertaker, Goldberger WrestleMania 35: Rousey, Flair, Lynch Fastlane: Rollins, Reigns, Ambrose vs. Corbin, Lashley, McIntyre Elimination Chamber: Bryan, Styles, Hardy, Kingston, Orton, Samoa Joe Survivor Series: Bryan, Lesnar X Crown Jewel: HHH, HBK vs. Undertaker, Kane Hell in a Cell: Reigns, Braun SummerSlam: Lesnar, ReignsOut of the last 28 PPVs, only five events featured a main event with a 50-year-old wrestler. Of these, four were Saudi Arabia shows and one was part of a split-day WrestleMania. This selective and sporadic use of 50 wrestler main events suggests that WWE prioritizes these selections due to financial incentives, rather than a consistent strategic decision.
Wrestling's Generational Shift and WWE’s Challenges
WWE’s focus on older wrestlers for main events is in stark contrast to its approach to mainstream programming. RAW and SmackDown have struggled to build up younger talent, leading to a reliance on established faces to attract viewers.
Building Talent and Popularity
WWE has traditionally struggled with building up young talent, instead focusing on aging veterans. A notable example is WWE’s attempt to revive Hulk Hogan and John Cena, which ultimately failed. Recent efforts like HHH and HBK’s comeback also highlight the challenges of creating realistic character arcs and engaging storylines.
Current Booking Practices
WWE's booking practices often leave a lot to be desired. Here’s how it falls short:
Vince’s Ideal Characters: WWE seems to mold wrestlers into a preconceived notion of what Vince Russo believes a wrestler should be, rather than empowering them to develop their unique characters. Character Flaws and Weaknesses: Wrestlers like Luke Harper, Dean Ambrose, and Matt Hardy are forced to suppress their strengths or showcase flaws that demoralize them. Gimmick Matchmaking: Wrestlers like Ricochet are given incredible in-ring abilities but are often pushed to the side or stripped of their push due to underwhelming character development. Booker's Lack of Embrace: The continuity of character growth and storyline development is lacking, leading to a disjointed and synthetic viewing experience.Conclusion: The Need for a New Strategic Approach
WWE's reliance on older wrestlers for main events is a reflection of the company's ongoing struggle to maintain a vibrant and dynamic roster. To achieve long-term success, WWE needs to balance financial incentives with a strategic focus on building up young talent and empowering wrestlers to develop their unique characters. Only then can WWE truly connect with fans on a deeper level and deliver the engaging and emotional experiences that will drive sustained growth.