10 Architects Behind WWE's Demise

4. You

Stephanie McMahon
WWE.com

Seriously, you, me - we're all culpable on some level.

By continuing to invest financially in WWE, the power players involved can dust off the same, insufferable rhetoric: you're still watching; a small number of vocal fans will complain about absolutely everything; they cheer for who they usually boo, and boo for who they usually cheer...

To them, if you hand over the money, you're a mark. Corey Graves or Baron Corbin might put an 'S' in front of that, on occasion, but you're a mark to them all the same. Your defiant, nihilistic bullsh*t only strengthens their resolve. You encourage them.

Any audible noise you emit is a positive because it can be spun into a flattering narrative. John Cena's charisma is so powerful that everybody has an opinion on it. The hum of thousands of anxious jeers - if the guy it's stupid to have win is probably going to win - can simply be "electric". Etc.

The institutional lack of respect this company has for its fans shapes the direction. It's a complete inversion of what should happen. That statistically so few of us care about Baron Corbin is, to them, proof that pushing him is a good idea. It's heat. It's not positive, so it must therefore be heat.

You are the Authority.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!