Along with a lack of spontaneity is a distinct feeling of sterility. WWE's production work is some of the best in the entertainment world, nobody can really dispute that. In terms of lighting, editing, camera work and other production, they are second-to-none. But the slickness of the production has given the product a sterile, almost lifeless feel. It's a little bit too good. Raw and Smackdown have looked the same for years now: they've used the same camera set-ups, the same lighting rig, the same sets. Even WWE's PPV sets (save for WrestleMania) have been, in the main, rather unimaginative. In 2005, WWE were still creative with their sets and still working out the kinks in their production. They were also going a little easier with the lighting. The polished nature of the production also clearly has an effect on the audience. It isn't just the sub-par product that's killing fans' enthusiasm: it's the over-producing of the show, too.
