The opening video package predictably used the history of the company in the United Kingdom to add prestige to a product that would look substantially smaller as it kicked off for real from Cambridge’s understated-but-elegant Corn Exchange. WWE haven't got the richest history this side of the Atlantic, but they made the most of their most memorable moments over the past three decades to create the impression that the formation of this brand was an important next step.
Smartly, the group utilised the time they’d spent at the Royal Albert Hall to shoot new General Manager Johnny Saint as a final bridge between the UK scene’s past and a potentially exciting future, though the effort was undone somewhat by a rather tepid opening salvo from Vic Joseph and Nigel McGuinness in front of a lousy green screen.
The criticism may seem glib, but WWE take pride in their presentational prowess - this was unacceptable. World Of Sport were hauled over the coals for some criminal production in places, but it’s a facet of this company that should never be in any doubt. A reveal of a raucous live crowd was a welcome switch from the sterile piece to camera.
Michael is a writer, editor, podcaster and presenter for WhatCulture Wrestling, and has been with the organisation nearly 8 years. He primarily produces written, audio and video content on WWE and AEW, but also provides knowledge and insights on all aspects of the wrestling industry thanks to a passion for it dating back over 35 years. As one third of "The Dadley Boyz" Michael has contributed to the huge rise in popularity of the WhatCulture Wrestling Podcast and its accompanying YouTube channel, earning it top spot in the UK's wrestling podcast charts with well over 62,000,000 total downloads. He has been featured as a wrestling analyst for the Tampa Bay Times, GRAPPL, GCP, Poisonrana and Sports Guys Talking Wrestling, and has covered milestone events in New York, Dallas, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, London and Cardiff. Michael's background in media stretches beyond wrestling coverage, with a degree in Journalism from the University Of Sunderland (2:1) and a series of published articles in sports, music and culture magazines The Crack, A Love Supreme and Pilot. When not offering his voice up for daily wrestling podcasts, he can be found losing it singing far too loud watching his favourite bands play live. Follow him on X/Twitter - @MichaelHamflett
