WWE's Focus on Talented in-Ring Wrestlers Lends Credibility to the Product

WWE is known for its Showtime.  The emphasis has always been on the production, including the pryo, the music and the backstage vignettes.  No one puts on a show like Vince McMahon, and no wrestling company can match WWE in terms of overall entertainment value.

But much of the credibility WWE has right now has very little to do with the Showtime aspect of its presentation and much more to do with the in-ring wrestling.

There can be no doubting the importance of putting on a top-notch program.  WWE must sell its product to TV networks and sponsors.  That means the shows must have a big feel; the sets have to be massive, the ring has to be eye-catching and the camera work must be first-class.

The storylines being told from week to week take some effort to sell; backstage segments, sit-down interviews and effective mic work is a must.  All of this combines for a program that has the atmosphere of a legitimate sporting event but is tempered with a heavy dose of dramatic fiction.

However, none of it would be possible without the wrestling.

The action in the ring makes it all worthwhile.  All of the flash and bright lights amount to nothing if the matches themselves are weak and the performers subpar.  WWE is not in the business of recruiting workers incapable of getting the job done, but this era in particular is an exceptional one for talent.

Kevin Owens is the perfect example of the past and present for WWE.  He is just the right mix of old-school wrestling paired with a modern-day mentality.  He is a bruiser, but he is very athletic as well; he's one part Ole Anderson and one part Bam Bam Bigelow.

KO has brought a new level of attention and respect to WWE's developmental brand, NXT, and he's proven he's ready for the main roster spot he now enjoys.

Cesaro is a guy that was always believed to be special by many fans but has only recently had the opportunity to actually prove it.  After floundering for the bulk of his WWE career, Cesaro is now being booked into quality matches against quality opponents.

Like Owens, Cesaro is not flashy, and he's not loud, but he is very good and he's very compelling.  When he's in the ring, he is must-see TV.  

Dean Ambrose may not be a ring technician like Cesaro, but he definitely brings a unique style and character to the game.  His matches are fun because he is so unpredictable and when the bell rings, he throws himself head first into the fray.

When Daniel Bryan is healthy, he is arguably the best wrestler in the company.  No one has the intensity and the skill that Bryan has while also being the most popular star on the roster.  Bryan was the most charismatic and exciting, and if he does return to the ring, he will surely pick up where he left off.

Dolph Ziggler is the reliable hand that consistently puts in one five-star match after another.  He is the man fans can expect to always deliver, and he has been the sentimental favorite for several years now.  If anyone deserves a main event spot and much more based on his efforts, it's definitely Ziggler.

Seth Rollins is the breakout star of The Shield and the man in WWE right now.  He was given the ball as WWE world heavyweight champion, and he has done an admirable job of running with it.  When he is in the ring, it's extremely hard to top him, and he may be the best talent WWE has seen since CM Punk.

Charlotte, Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks have turned the Divas division upside down, and they're only just getting started.  For the first time in a long time, women's wrestling is over with the fans, and that is thanks to the very talented trio from NXT.

Each Superstar and Diva in question has fan appeal and immense entertainment value. It's not enough to just be good between the ropes; a talent needs to excel in every area in order to succeed.  But in every case, it's the ring work that truly stands out.

No one can deny the overall mood of the company has changed for fans.  It's a new day for the wrestlers, and the company is better for it.  This is what many have been waiting for, as it's definitely a great time to be a pro wrestling fan.

WWE has reminded fans of what put the company on the map to begin with.  Now that the focus is centered on the ring once again, even the most jaded wrestling fan has to admit the effort to improve the product is there.  

WWE has put the wrestling back at the forefront and for fans, it could not have happened sooner.

Tom's work can regularly be found on Bleacher Report and his podcast Tom Clark's Main Event, is available on iTunes, Google Play, Windows Phone, Amazon Android and online here.