WWE Bringing Squash Matches Back To TV?
Fans of sub-60 second matches, rejoice!
Dave Meltzer has reported that World Wrestling Entertainment is toying with the idea of bringing squash matches back to WWE TV.
The consensus is that one-sided destructions are an effective method of helping new talent get over, and with the WWE roster now being spread over two shows there is a need to fill some gaps.
Whilst squash matches have somewhat gone out of fashion in the modern era, they accounted for the vast majority of WWE television back in the 1980s and early 90s. Matches between established competitors were held off until big events, so shows like WWF Wrestling Challenge and WWF Superstars generally consisted of Dino Bravo beating Jim Powers in about three minutes, or similar such matches.
That isn't to say that WWE has abandoned them in recent years. NXT has made great use of the trope, most notably during The Ascension's almost year long run with the NXT Tag Titles and more recently when the Full Sail crowd would count Baron Corbin matches from start to finish.
The decision (if made) could also colour the names of the individuals who return to WWE in light of the brand split. Whilst we're all hankering for Kurt Angle, Shelton Benjamin, John Morrison et al, there's every chance that it is more likely that we'll see Colin Delaney return to lose to Baron Corbin in 45 seconds on future episodes of WWE SmackDown Live.