 |
| Credit: WWE.com |
New Japan Pro Wrestling is the best pro wrestling product out there as of right now. I'm sure many will either disagree with that statement on the grounds of preferring something else, or for the flat out reason they don't watch much pro wrestling outside of the WWE. And that's a shame, because you are missing some really, really good stuff.
However, while the WWE isn't the most complete product, the leading company in pro wrestling is offering something in their product that has been very entertaining and is an element missing in most wrestling products right now. No, it's not the in-ring product. No, it's not any singular story line. No, it's not any concept they've come up with as of late. And No, it isn't any particular wrestler, despite Daniel Bryan being the most popular wrestler on God's green earth as of this writing.
The answer is effectively and purely simple - emotion.
The WWE have had some moments, matches, and happenings as of late that have been filled with suspense, drama, heartbreak, triumph, and anger, resulting in a product that has a ton of emotion and passion in it.
CM Punk and Brock Lesnar at Summer Slam. Daniel Bryan defeating John Cena. Randy Orton immediately cashing in and ending the momentous Bryan moment. Triple H with his sudden "reign of terror" that mirrors a dictatorship of some sort. Paul Heyman's feud with CM Punk. Big Show being forced to go against his morals to stay in-line with his contract (although I think this is quite stupid). Dolph Ziggler being punished for speaking his mind. And of course, this past Monday's match between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton. Especially, Rhodes' promo before he left the building.
The WWE is delivering a product that is geared towards moving away from a once-popular idea of grey characters and blurred lines, and are now significantly drawing the line in the sand between heels and faces along with placing them in story lines that viewers can relate to.
 |
| Credit: WWE.com |
We've all dealt with a tyrannical boss or an overbearing company's leadership. We all can relate or feel for the guy who loses his job right before his wedding. We all can unconditionally hate the guy who had everything handed to him (Randy Orton). We all can relate to the guy who is being punished for speaking his mind, especially when it is the truth. We all can relate to a situation and tangled feelings of feuding with a loved one or mentor. We all can relate to the guy who is forced into a situation to go against his moral fiber for the sake of his family. We all can identify with the underdog who has been told he "he won't make it".
The WWE is hitting on emotion and it is really helping not only their product, but helping the development of their future big players, and overall, the drama and suspense in their matches. All of the characters are deepened for development and connection with the fan base...or universe, or whatever name WWE is calling their fans by these days.
Most importantly, the addition of emotion is the type of direction that will appeal to the masses - something the WWE knows better than any other company.
I can't say WWE is the best overall product in the world right now, but oddly, with the recent infusion of the element of emotion, it is by far the most intriguing one.