The most ridiculous complaint registered by today's fans centers around the content of WWE's programming and a general infatuation with the Attitude Era of the late 1990s. "The PG Era sucks!" they exclaim, their general ignorance for what actually made the Attitude Era as successful as it was never more apparent. Worst yet is their lack of recognition when it comes to what made the even more kid-friendly era of Hulk Hogan and The Ultimate Warrior as wildly successful as it was. The PG Era does not suck because there is a lack of edginess, sex and aggression. Those elements of the Attitude Era helped propel Vince McMahon's company to top of the industry because they were of the time. They fit that audience at that specific period. Today's audience skews younger, with kids and parents filling the stands. Today's product is geared toward them. Does that mean it sucks? Absolutely not. At least not because of the more family-friendly content. It is merely WWE's attempt to widen its audience to include both children and parents, adding to the number of tickets it sells in the process. After all, for every kid in the stands, there will be at least one mom or dad with them. No, the PG Era does not suck. What sucks is the inconsistencies with the booking of the Superstars and storylines. The ratings for Raw and SmackDown have nothing to do with that.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
