10 Ways WWE Are Still Stuck In The Past
5. Hulk Hogan Style Babyfaces
Hulk Hogan is the most important figure in WWE history, and without him, there’s a strong chance the company wouldn’t be around today. Hulkamania helped transform wrestling from a niche form of entertainment to a mainstream sensation, and his heroics put WWE at the forefront of the movement. His larger-than-life personality and immense popularity made him the lynchpin around which WWE was built, and WWE have been looking for the “new Hulk Hogan” since the day he left for WCW.
It started with the likes of Lex Luger and Ultimate Warrior, and continues today. John Cena’s cringeworthy do-gooder persona and apparent invincibility made him WWE’s franchise player, but the most divisive main eventer in WWE history. Roman Reigns is the latest to inherit the mantle, and his performances have been particularly loathsome - the former Shield member was even named PWI’s “Most Hated Wrestler of 2016” last month.
Fans demand more from their heroes these days. Superman pushes and complete domination don’t work the way they used to, and flaws, relatability, and underdog spirit are more important than ever before. Daniel Bryan stands as the perfect example of this, but for as long as Vince McMahon as it at the helm, it looks like WWE will be stuck with these outdated Hogan-esque nightmares playing protagonist.