10 Staples From Wrestling's Past WWE Must Bring Back

8. The Blade

Undertaker Kane Unforgiven 1998
WWE

The PG era is a strange one.

It is somehow preferable for WWE to allow Brock Lesnar to pummel and scrape the heads of his opponents to cut them hardway than to reemploy the relatively painless art of blading.

Blading was used to such successful effect in the pre-PG era of wrestling because it awakens an inherently sympathetic impulse within fans with which to support the babyface. Would the famous Steve Austin/Bret Hart double turn at WrestleMania 13 have been quite as effective if the Rattlesnake hadn't have been wearing the crimson mask as he passed out in the Sharpshooter?

Concerns over infection are understandable - especially in light of the accusations levelled against Abdullah The Butcher in recent years - but WWE's medical practises are watertight these days. With sufficient screening, they could guarantee the safety of their performers with some degree of ease.

When used sparingly - Ric Flair's TNA run is proof that excessive use of the blade nullifies the effect - the crimson mask would go some way towards amping up the drama of WWE matches.

It would make a welcome substitution for the multiple kick-out finisher trend which has infected WWE for too long.

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!