10 Ways The Chris Benoit Double-Murder/Suicide Case Changed WWE Forever
3. Blood Loss
Akin to WWE's kinder treatment towards talent in general over the last ten years, the decision to eradicate blood from the product wherever possible has been profound.
Coming down from on high during the company's PG roll-out in line with a lucrative Mattel sponsorship deal, the zero tolerance policy on blood in matches forced performers to find new creative avenues to get across the desperation of a battle well-fought.
In such a physical environment, accidents can happen, but WWE has found a way of incorporating the unintended lacerations into the fabric of contests with great effect. Initially, fans responded with deep disdain for ringside doctors intervening to close the cuts, but over time, they have become an integral part of the drama.
This was best evidenced in the TakeOver: Dallas NXT Title match between Samoa Joe and Finn Balor. A clash of heads viciously opened up Joe in the first few seconds of their absorbing war, leading to repeated efforts from the stationed physician to close the cut. The crowd first booed the pause in action, but Joe and Finn wove the interruption into the scrap.
The repeated stoppages only amped up the fury between them, and ultimately resulted in the pair crafting the best match in their lengthy series.