In This Corner: The Dark Ages Of WWE

Last week in this column I discussed some of the reasons why it feels we are in a new Golden Age of wrestling. This week I want to take a look at why many feel we are in the Dark Ages of the WWE. I want to start out by saying I love professional wrestling. I have been a fan since I was three years old. I was able to experience the era of Hulkamania the Monday Night Wars, and the Summer of Punk. In my free time, I read various wrestling related books, watch programs on the WWE Network, and watch random wrestling documentaries. Does this make me any more of a fan than anyone else? Of course not. But with all that in mind, in all honesty, today’s product can be hard to watch.

So why are we in the Dark Ages of WWE? Let’s examine.

Admittedly, I am a WWE mark. Argue it all you want, but the WWE will always be the number one promotion out there, and nothing comes close in terms of television, productions values, and global reach. But let’s be honest, can you watch three hours of RAW, two hours of Smackdown, an hour of NXT and an hour of 205 Live every week? On top of that, add whatever monthly pay per views, reality shows, or other special events occurring on the WWE Network. There is just way too much content out there to watch to stay on top of what is occurring weekly.

The promotions flagship show, RAW, is currently pulling in some of the lowest ratings in the shows history. The show has a wealth of talent, but it doesn’t seem like the writers know what to do with the talent they have. Roman Reigns has been pushed down the fans throats for years. Seth Rollins carries the Intercontinental Title well but hasn’t really been utilized to his potential since returning from injury a few years back. Bray Wyatt is one of the more eclectic characters the company has had in years, but they don’t seem to know what direction to push him. And don’t get me started on the lack of direction for talent like Elias and Finn Balor.

Let’s not forget about the handling of the female superstars. In my opinion, the WWE has botched the entire Women’s Revolution. Since moving to the main roster, the handling of Bayley and Asuka has been horrible. Ronda Rousey adds spice to the division, however, she is green as grass on the mic and in the ring. WWE has had opportunities to really make an impact with the revolution but keep bringing back retreads like the Bella Twins. Is that all they can do? The Bella Twins? Really?

We are around six months away from Wrestlemania. Are there any matches currently that you would like to see? It feels that WWE painted itself in the corner with its main event picture. Who will be able to defeat Ronda Rousey? After it has taken so long for the Roman Reigns push, where does it go? When AJ Styles loses the World Title, who will it be to and how will it be handled? Does WWE continue to bring back stars like Triple H, Brock Lesnar, HBK, Mick Foley and the Undertaker because the fans have little interest in today’s stars?

Perhaps maybe it’s me, maybe I am too old to “get” today’s WWE product. What are your thoughts?