WWE: Attitude Era Is Dead, but Isn't This PG Era Crap? Enter Attitude 2.0

Since this is my first article I decided to write about something that I've been thinking about recently. I'm not sure if any of you have (but hopefully by the end of this you will be!) 

Let's wind the clock back to a time when WWE was more than just bad storytelling and comedic skits that even a 10 year old won't laugh at........The Attitude Era!

The WWE (then known as WWF) had their greatest years both commercially and creativity during what is widely known as “The Attitude Era”. It was during this time that some of wrestling’s greatest stars emerged and helped transition the WWF from a kid friendly face vs. heel program to a bloodied, foul mouthed get in your face then whoop your ass type of must see television. In the next five slides I will explain as to why I believe the WWE not only needs to, but will get a much needed Attitude 2.0.

Ratings

Ratings, between April 1998 and the end of the “Wars” on March 26, 2001, the ratings for Raw never dropped below “4” and more times than not it was reaching a “5” or “6” on the Nielsen ratings.

Nowadays the rating for Raw barely (if at all) breaks a “3”. I know that WWE is the biggest professional wrestling organization….but come-on…that’s got to be hurting McMahon and crew a little bit.

I wonder how Vince explains to the other board of directors and shareholders how over a decade ago they had almost double the amount of viewers compared to now.....

(Shareholder) "Vince how is it that a show like Tosh.0 which is about clips taken from the internet get better ratings than the widely known Monday Night Raw"

(Vince) "The audience has spoken! They want over the top comedic skits.....Next Monday Santino Marella will dress up like Hanna Montana and be kissed by The Great Khali during the kiss cam!"

Although I don't think this is how the shareholders meetings go....I could see the creative meetings going like that.

No matter how many T-Shirts and DVD's you sell...if not many people are turning into your programming....it's only a matter of time before something happens....WWE programming needs a saviour....could that be.....

Heir to the Throne?

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

LAS VEGAS - SEPTEMBER 18: WWE wrestler Triple H attends the official weigh-in for boxers Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Juan Manuel Marquez at the MGM Grand Garden Arena September 18, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The two will fight at the MGM on September 19. (

Triple H and Stephanie Mcmahon.

It’s a pretty well known fact that Vinnie-Mac is going to slow down sooner than later (rumor going around says sooner), and HHH is the apparent heir to take over. Stephanie is already the VP of Creative Development and Operations; HHH has begun learning the business side and even ran a few live shows a few months back and has told FCW that things need an overhaul immediately.

Triple H and Stephanie are products of the Attitude Era (at least their on-screen characters are), they know what the fans like to see, they have to remember what brought in the viewers and kept people guessing what was going to happen from week to week......right?

TNA

They are the company with something to prove to everyone.

Currently they are not a threat, nor do I believe they will be in the near future, but they continue to take some of WWE’s best known stars (Kurt Angle, Mick Foley, Jeff Hardy)…..sounds like something that happened beforehand….like…..16 years ago…..

The Product/Gimmicks.

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

UNCASVILLE, CT - AUGUST 3: Actor Jeremy Piven guest hosts WWE's 'Monday Night Raw' at Mohegan Sun on August 3, 2009 in Uncasville, Connecticut. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy watching Raw and Smackdown, both have their positives...but they also have many negatives and I don't think the blame should be solely put on the performer....it's also the creative staffs fault for not being innovative and original with the material they give the performer.

Aside from a few superstars, the product is pretty stale and we’ve seen it a million times over, unless you’re phenomenal on the microphone and can get yourself over, people really don’t care for something they’ve already seen beforehand. Now I’m not saying that you need to have someone come out and start beating the crap out of their boss and drink beer, but I think the product is in need for some changes in the near future.

There’s not many of the old school viewers (1995-2003) who truly watch the programs anymore and with The Undertaker and HHH on their way to retirement what’s going to keep these people tuned it or even bring them back?....Hornswoggle? There needs to be some new gimmicks in WWE that we haven’t seen much before, Del Rio’s works perfectly for him, Orton….is Orton, CM Punk is at his best and Cena is the 2011 version of Hulk Hogan….didn’t Hogan turn heel eventually? There’s an idea!

$$$

I'm sure anyone who is reading this already has heard about WWE's 4th quarter financial report.....simply put.....the money aint coming in like it use too...

Now I can' tell you why that is.

I'm sure you can't tell me why either.

But my assumption is it's partially because the product isn't as entertaining as it use to be.

Where's all the storytelling? The drama?

Remember when you'd be stuck to your seat not wanting to take the chance of a bathroom break because you might miss something......I do!

Besides Wrestlemania why would I wanna pay $45 bucks for a story that's been told beforehand and is directed towards pre teens basically? I can and do go watch old matches that I've seen multiple times beforehand on Youtube for free!

This is a serious issue WWE needs to address (not the Youtube part....I hope...). If they want the money to come back, they need to give us (the fans) a reason to spend out hard earned cash!

The End.....Or Is It?

To summarize….ratings/revenue are down, everything is predictable, Vinnie-Mac going bye bye and potential competition (that has their own attitude) is on the horizon……..