Dear WWE Creative, It’s A Good Time To Be A Wrestling Fan

Dear WWE Creative,

It’s nearing the end of another year and I tend to get a tad reflective during this season. I know I rant a lot in these letters from time to time, but truth is, it’s a good time to be a wrestling fan.

I’ll admit it, I’m a huge WWE fan, but sometimes when you cover it all the time for work, it can seem like a chore. Still, since post-Wrestlemania season and especially the brand extension, work doesn’t always seem like work anymore when it comes to the watching and writing about sports entertainment. In many ways, it feels like the WWE has turned a corner, and fallen into a solid groove. Sure, there are still times when storylines or segments don’t work out, that’s part of the creative process, but overall it seems like you are hitting the nail on the head.

And for the most part, I feel this is all happening because you are truly listening to fans. Tracking social media and numbers are important, but it’s staying tuned into your audience is vital. Programs have gotten a bit edgier to satisfy adult viewers, without crossing the line and alienating younger fans. You have achieved this by using innuendos, and Disney has created a huge success on being able to incorporate adult humor in its movies without alerting their younger fans. In many ways you are following this model and I feel like it’s working. And it’s brilliant.

Save the edgier stuff for the Network, after all, the majority of the demographic who has bought into it are adults. Realizing that kayfabe was buried years ago, you are bringing your superstars to their fans and helping them connect on another level through innovative programming like Story Time, Edge and Christian Show, Ride Along and Swerved.

Did I ever think I’d see a WWE world where Kevin Owens and AJ Styles were the two top guys in the company? Or that The New Day would break any records? Recognizing their talent, success, and connection with the fans (on a heel level), it’s odd to think at one point in time I was writing you to ‘give these guys a chance’. Having these superstars hold these titles ensures quality matches, main events, and phenomenal pay-per-views.

Yes, it’s good to be a wrestling fans these days. RAW and SmackDown LIVE (for the most part) are entertaining, and I don’t stare more at the clock than my television anymore; wondering and praying the time will fly by. I enjoy the programs, I enjoy the superstars, I enjoy the entertainment.

So as another week goes by, rather than rant, I focus on applauding your efforts.

Keep up the good work,

Signed,

Me.