In a recent interview, WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart expressed his frustration with the current state of professional wrestling, stating that he has a “hard time watching today’s wrestling” because it is “too fake.” However, not everyone agrees with Hart’s assessment, and Eric Bischoff, a seasoned figure in the world of wrestling, has come to the defense of the modern product.
According to Bischoff, Hart’s criticism is rooted in bitterness and a refusal to acknowledge the evolution of the industry. In an exclusive interview with our publication, Bischoff explained his perspective on the matter.
“Bret’s comments are a perfect example of someone who is stuck in the past and can’t bring themselves to accept the changes that have taken place in the industry,” Bischoff said. “Wrestling has always been a form of entertainment, and the emphasis on athleticism and storytelling has never been stronger. The fact that Bret has a hard time watching today’s wrestling is a reflection of his own disappointment and frustration with the industry’s current trajectory.”
Bischoff pointed out that Hart, who was a key player in the Attitude Era, was a product of a very different time. “Bret was part of a generation that was known for its hard-hitting matches and edgy content,” Bischoff noted. “While those elements are still present in modern wrestling, the industry has evolved significantly, and the focus has shifted towards character development and storytelling.”
A New Era for Professional Wrestling
The WWE, in particular, has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. The company has invested heavily in its NXT brand, which has become a breeding ground for new talent and a proving ground for up-and-coming superstars. The WWE has also made a concerted effort to promote a more diverse and inclusive product, featuring a range of characters and storylines that appeal to a broader audience.
According to sources close to Cody Rhodes, this shift in focus has been a deliberate effort to appeal to a new generation of fans. “The WWE recognizes that the demographics of the audience have changed, and they’re trying to adapt to those changes,” our source revealed. “They’re not just focused on putting on a product for the die-hard fans who grew up with Bret Hart and the Attitude Era; they’re trying to create a product that appeals to a wider audience, including younger fans who are looking for a more authentic and relatable experience.”
The Evolution of Storytelling
One of the key aspects of modern wrestling is the emphasis on storytelling. Gone are the days of simply having a series of matches between two wrestlers; today’s product features complex, multi-layered storylines that explore themes and character arcs.
According to Bischoff, this shift in focus is a direct result of the industry’s evolution. “Wrestling has always been about telling stories, but the way we tell those stories has changed over the years,” he explained. “Today, we’re not just focused on having a good match; we’re focused on creating a narrative that engages the audience and draws them into the world of the wrestlers.”
A New Generation of Superstars
The WWE has also seen a significant influx of new talent in recent years, with a new generation of superstars emerging to challenge the established order. This new crop of talent includes names like Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Finn Bálor, who have all been trained in the WWE’s Performance Center and have gone on to become major stars in their own right.
According to sources close to the WWE, this influx of new talent is a direct result of the company’s investment in its Performance Center. “The Performance Center has been a game-changer for the WWE,” our source revealed. “It’s allowed them to develop a new generation of talent and create a pipeline of new stars that can be brought up to the main roster.”
Conclusion
Eric Bischoff’s comments about Bret Hart’s criticism of modern wrestling are a reflection of the industry’s ongoing evolution. While Hart’s perspective is certainly valid, Bischoff’s point is that the industry has changed, and the product has shifted to reflect those changes. The WWE, in particular, has invested heavily in its NXT brand and has made a concerted effort to promote a more diverse and inclusive product.
As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the WWE and its competitors adapt to the changing landscape. One thing is certain, however: the industry will continue to be shaped by the creative vision of its leaders, and the product will continue to reflect the changing tastes and preferences of its audience.
In the end, it’s up to each individual to decide what they want to see in professional wrestling. While some may agree with Bret Hart’s assessment of the product, others may see the industry’s evolution as a positive step forward. As Eric Bischoff noted, “Wrestling has always been about entertainment, and the emphasis on athleticism and storytelling has never been stronger. The fact that Bret has a hard time watching today’s wrestling is a reflection of his own disappointment and frustration with the industry’s current trajectory.”
Whether or not you agree with Bischoff’s assessment, one thing is certain: the industry will continue to evolve, and the product will continue to reflect the changing tastes and preferences of its audience.