8 Things WWE Can Learn From Other Promotions
7. PROGRESS - Respect Your Fans
WWE fans often display clear signs of Stockholm Syndrome. The largest wrestling promotion on the planet consistently puts on shows that insult the intelligence of the fans, yet the slavish nature of the WWE Universe simultaneously justifies this disrespect. WWE could make Curt Hawkins Universal Champion at SummerSlam, but fans would still continue watching.
If there is a mutual respect between promotion and fanbase, everything becomes more enjoyable. The transparency between PROGRESS Wrestling and the fans has led to the London based outfit becoming one of the largest on our delightful little island.
PROGRESS owner Jim Smallman frequently takes to the web to explain business decisions to the fans, creating a trusting relationship between supplier and consumer. This subsequently creates a certain degree of faith when it comes to booking decisions, meaning fans are more willing to give stories time to breathe before complaining.
Compare that with WWE - how much faith do you have in WWE when it comes to creative decisions? The trust between the two has been eroded over the past decades. Respecting the fanbase would be a big step towards creative rehabilitation for WWE.