In a recent discussion on the Demo Pod podcast, WWE Hall of Famers Bill Eadie and Barry Darsow expressed their disappointment with the current state of professional wrestling. The two legends criticized the lack of storytelling and emphasis on athleticism over in-ring competition, suggesting that modern wrestling has become more about showcasing impressive moves than telling compelling stories.
A Shift Away from Traditional Storytelling
Eadie and Darsow argued that gimmick matches, once the culmination of epic feuds and intense rivalries, have lost their significance in modern professional wrestling. These matches were once the result of months, even years, of tension and anticipation, with the victor emerging as a true champion. However, today’s gimmick matches are often hastily thrown together with little to no buildup or context.
“It’s like they’re just checking boxes,” Eadie said. “They’re not really investing in the story or the characters. It’s just a bunch of guys throwing high-flying moves and expecting the audience to buy into it.”
Darsow echoed Eadie’s sentiments, stating that modern wrestling has become more focused on showcasing individual athleticism rather than promoting a cohesive narrative.
“You see guys doing these incredible moves, but it’s like they’re just performing a series of tricks rather than telling a story,” Darsow said. “It’s like they’re competing in a gymnastics competition rather than a wrestling match.”
The Rise of the “Gymnastics” Era
This shift towards emphasizing athleticism over storytelling has led to a proliferation of high-flying moves and intricate aerial maneuvers. While these moves can be impressive and awe-inspiring, they often come at the cost of in-ring substance and character development.
According to a WWE insider, this trend is not limited to gimmick matches, but is a broader phenomenon that permeates much of the company’s programming.
“WWE has become obsessed with creating a product that is visually stunning, but often at the expense of the actual wrestling,” the insider revealed. “They’re more concerned with showcasing the latest and greatest moves than with telling a compelling story or developing their characters.”
The Consequences of Prioritizing “Gymnastics”
While the focus on athleticism may generate short-term excitement and attention, it can ultimately lead to a decrease in overall quality and a lack of engagement from the audience.
“The problem is that when you prioritize ‘gymnastics’ over wrestling, you’re creating a product that is shallow and ephemeral,” said longtime wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer. “The audience wants to invest in the characters and the storylines, not just watch a series of tricks and stunts.”
Furthermore, the emphasis on athleticism and high-flying moves can also lead to a culture of pushing wrestlers to take unnecessary risks and put their bodies through excessive punishment.
“Wrestlers are taking too many bumps and are being asked to perform feats that are just not safe,” Eadie warned. “It’s like they’re trying to push the limits of human endurance rather than prioritizing the well-being of the performers.”
A Call to Action
Eadie and Darsow’s comments serve as a stark reminder of the importance of storytelling and character development in professional wrestling. As the company continues to evolve and adapt, it’s essential that WWE prioritize the core elements that make wrestling great: the story, the characters, and the in-ring competition.
According to a source close to the WWE creative team, there are efforts underway to shift the focus back towards storytelling and character development.
“We’re trying to get back to basics and focus on creating a product that is more authentic and engaging,” the source revealed. “We want to tell stories that resonate with the audience and create characters that they can invest in.”
Only time will tell if WWE can successfully rebalance its priorities and create a product that is both visually stunning and rich in substance. For now, Eadie and Darsow’s comments serve as a timely reminder of the importance of prioritizing the fundamentals of professional wrestling.