10 Things Everyone Gets Wrong About WWE's Attitude Era
4. Violence + Nudity = Good TV
The WWE product has never been as safe or family-friendly as it is today, and this is primarily down to its PG rating. It has washed away all of Attitude's (and to a lesser extent, Ruthless Aggression's) excesses, replacing them with a sterilised brand of wrestling that often feels watered down, but is infinitely more attractive to sponsors and younger viewers.
While few still activity campaign for the restoration of wanton violence and nudity to WWE programming, the idea that these things are what made Attitude feel so special persists. Frankly, this is nonsense.
Blood and violence can still enhance a story, but overindulgence is crass at best, and negligent at worst. Nobody needs to see guys like Mick Foley putting their bodies on the line for entertainment's sake anymore. Uncoordinated cage dives and unprotected headshots are an unnecessary risk, and the way PG has protected the wrestlers' bodies takes precedent over any other argument.
Sexual themes should stay in the past too. The bulk of Attitude's women were pushed on aesthetics, and forced into degrading bra and panties and strip matches to satisfy the salivating masses. It drew, and the likes of Sable were immensely popular, taste and decency are paramount.