10 Signs Wrestling Is Heading Towards A New Golden Age
5. Unparalleled Accessibility
The advent of streaming technology has completely changed the way we consume professional wrestling. Watching a WWE pay-per-view used to mean forking out up to $50 one a month, but all it takes now is a $9.99 Network subscription fee. If you want to watch an older show, it's right at your fingertips. You don't need to head to Amazon, find the DVD, then wait a few days before it arrives: all you need to do is tap a few buttons on your tablet and you're away.
This increased accessibility has benefited wrestling greatly, and will continue to do so over the coming years. WWE envision a feature where all their content (including Raw & SmackDown) is available through the Network, and although such a move is still several years away, it's exciting nonetheless.
If you want to get into PROGRESS or NJPW, all that's required is a video on-demand subscription and a capable device: it's that simple. Lower costs and increased convenience have benefited the smaller promotions by drawing countless new eyes to their product, expanding their fanbases, and creating a situation where the sport's 'second tier' companies no longer feel so distant.