WWE’s top stars are under immense pressure to perform every week, with the constant demands of a packed schedule taking a toll on their bodies. One WWE Hall of Famer believes that a return to the days of enhancement talent could be the solution to this problem.
According to Booker T, having top stars compete in matches that are too frequent is detrimental to their careers. On his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T expressed his concerns about the modern wrestling landscape, suggesting that a more sustainable approach is needed to maintain the health and longevity of WWE’s biggest names.
The Problem with Frequent Competition
Booker T’s argument centers around the fact that top stars should not be competing in high-stakes matches every single week. The constant pressure to perform, coupled with the physical demands of wrestling, increases the risk of injury and can lead to burnout.
“It’s just not sustainable for guys to be in the ring every week, taking bumps and getting hit by other guys,” Booker T said on his podcast. “You’ve got guys like Roman Reigns, who’s 40 years old and still going strong, but he’s an exception to the rule. Most guys can’t keep up that pace, and it’s not good for their bodies.”
The Role of Enhancement Talent
Booker T believes that the return of enhancement talent – wrestlers who are used to lose to top stars and provide a competitive challenge without putting them in harm’s way – would be a major step in the right direction.
“Back in the day, we had guys like Doink the Clown and the 1-2-3 Kid who were just there to put over the top stars,” Booker T explained. “They were enhancement talent, and they did their job. They’d get beat up, they’d take the falls, and they’d make the top stars look good. That’s what we need more of today.”
By having a pool of enhancement talent on hand, WWE can ensure that its top stars are not overexerting themselves and can conserve their energy for high-profile matches.
WWE’s Current Approach
While WWE does employ enhancement talent, the current approach is not as effective as it once was. Booker T suggests that the company is relying too heavily on jobbers, who are often given too much offense and end up making the top stars look bad.
“You see guys like the jobbers getting too much offense, and it’s just not right,” Booker T said. “That’s not what they’re there for. They’re there to take the falls, to get beat up, and to make the top stars look good. If you’re giving them too much offense, then you’re undermining the entire purpose of having enhancement talent.”
What It Means for WWE’s Top Stars
If WWE were to adopt a more traditional approach to enhancement talent, it could have a significant impact on the careers of its top stars. By reducing the number of matches they have to compete in, wrestlers like Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar, and Cody Rhodes could extend their careers and maintain their physical health.
According to a WWE insider, this is exactly what the company is exploring.
“WWE is looking at ways to reduce the number of matches its top stars have to compete in,” the source revealed. “They know that the current pace is unsustainable, and they’re looking for ways to give their guys more rest and more time to recover. Enhancement talent is definitely part of that plan.”
Conclusion
In an era where WWE’s top stars are under more pressure than ever, Booker T’s call for the return of enhancement talent is a timely reminder of the importance of maintaining the health and longevity of its biggest names. By adopting a more traditional approach to enhancement talent, WWE can ensure that its top stars can continue to perform at a high level for years to come.
As Booker T so aptly put it, “Let’s bring back the enhancement talent. It’s time to give our guys a break.”