It’s a Whole New World or is it?

I’m pretty sure everyone is familiar with the old saying that “History tends to repeat itself.” And these words of wisdom tend to hold true in so many walks of life. Today I would like to talk some pro wrestling. For my generation the great hero was Hulk Hogan and then it naturally progressed for each generation to greats such as Bret Hart, Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, John Cena, and now Roman Reigns. And previous generations had the likes of Bruno Sammartino, Superstar Billy Graham and Mr. Bob Backlund. The point is that it seeems that there is always a new superstar for people to revere. But you know what its not just individuals, its also factions.

Recently a new faction debuted on WWE television, Retribution. Their primary goal is to create chaos within the WWE and to take over WWE programming. A similiar stable is attempting to run wild for the competition, the Dark Order in AEW. And perhaps, I’m jaded in my age (that right there is probably fodder for another piece) but both groups don’t seem to resonate with me at all. Perhaps its because these groups are trying to emulate the success of the New World Order (nWo) which was the hottest thing going in wrestling from 1996 to parts of 1998. Since the dissolution of the nWo, there have been many attempts to duplicate the resounding success of that group. Some have succeeded: (The Shield and The Nexus), while others have failed miserably (The Invasion of 2001 and Aces and Eights). Only time will tell with these two new factions.

What I really want to say is that although these factions are new, can they mimic the success of the nWo. The nWo didn’t just appeal to wrestling fans, for a time it broke into pop culture. Not only did WCW use that angle to break the strong hold that the WWF at the time had on television ratings, but they also used it for crossover appeal as there was an nWo racecar in NASCAR and Dennis Rodman skipped out on a Bulls’ practice to show up at WCW Nitro. Granted there currently is a pandemic, but can WWE/AEW duplicate such a ride of popularity? Can these factions have stars the caliber of Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage feud against the likes of Ric Flair, Roddy Piper, and Sting. Even if you are not a huge wrestling fan, a majority of those names I listed are well known. The current problem is today’s crop of wrestler’s may be darlings of the IWC (The Internet Wrestling Community) but does it work outside of that circle. Its no wonder the WWE relies so heavily upon Brock Lesnar and for a few years, Ronda Rousey.

Ultimately, I am a wrestling fan that wants to see the industry succeed. I remember the countless memories of watching wrestling as a kid and how cool it was while I was in high school and college. Can those days be relived? I tend to get nostalgic over these things as my fellow geek calls me the nWo Historian and I am a an energetic fan of the good ole days. The major wrestling promotions are in a position that they hope they can have lightning strike, even if it may take recycled material to get them there.

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