In the world of professional wrestling, where larger-than-life characters and dramatic narratives reign supreme, the art of storytelling is everything. But what happens when the focus shifts too much towards the top stars, leaving the mid-carders struggling to find their place in the spotlight? This is the question former WWE producer and wrestler Brian James, better known as Road Dogg, has been pondering. In an exclusive interview with Busted Open Radio, James shared his insights into the current state of WWE, highlighting a critical issue that could be holding the company back.
The Mid-Card Conundrum
"You can't just have a top guy and tell his title story, or a top girl and tell their title story," James emphasized. "You've got to have some underneath stuff." In his view, WWE's current approach of focusing predominantly on the top-tier talent is detrimental to the overall health of the roster. James believes that the lack of emphasis on mid-card entertainment is a significant problem, as it leaves the audience with a sense of imbalance and dissatisfaction.
"That's what I think is hurting WWE right now," he continued. "Everybody seems like a top guy. There's no mid-card entertainment." This sentiment resonates with wrestling fans who often find themselves yearning for more diverse and engaging storylines that showcase the full spectrum of talent within the promotion.
Learning from OVW
James' critique is not without a solution. He pointed to Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) as an example of a promotion that understands the importance of a well-rounded roster. "For people looking at OVW, they have a variety show," he noted. "They have comedy, they have serious wrestling and title stories, they have a good women's division." OVW's philosophy of telling multiple engaging stories simultaneously is something James believes WWE officials could learn from.
"I always say I want a bear riding a bicycle and a guy spinning plates," he said with a laugh. "You've got to switch it up." This emphasis on variety and unpredictability is what makes OVW so successful, and it's a lesson WWE could take to heart.
A Personal Perspective
From my perspective, James' comments shed light on a critical aspect of professional wrestling that is often overlooked. The mid-carders are the backbone of any promotion, providing the necessary support and depth to the top stars. Without them, the show loses its balance and becomes one-dimensional. WWE's current approach may be attracting the biggest names, but it risks alienating the fans who crave more diverse and engaging storylines.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the contrast between WWE's approach and OVW's philosophy. While WWE has the resources and talent to create a more balanced roster, it seems to be struggling to do so. This raises a deeper question: Is WWE's focus on top-tier talent a strategic decision or a reflection of a fundamental misunderstanding of what makes professional wrestling so captivating?
The Way Forward
In my opinion, WWE needs to reevaluate its approach to storytelling and roster management. By embracing the OVW model and giving more attention to mid-card entertainment, the company could create a more engaging and sustainable product. This would not only benefit the fans but also provide opportunities for lesser-known talents to shine and develop their skills.
One thing that immediately stands out is the importance of variety and unpredictability in professional wrestling. By switching up the narratives and incorporating different elements, WWE can keep the audience on the edge of their seats. This is a lesson that OVW has mastered, and it's time for WWE to take note.
Conclusion
As James' departure from WWE earlier this year highlighted, the company is at a crossroads. By addressing the mid-card conundrum and learning from promotions like OVW, WWE can create a more dynamic and engaging product. This is not just about satisfying the fans; it's about ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of the company. What many people don't realize is that the key to WWE's success lies in its ability to balance the top stars with the mid-carders, creating a show that is both entertaining and sustainable.
If you take a step back and think about it, the mid-carders are the unsung heroes of professional wrestling. They provide the necessary support and depth to the top stars, and without them, the show loses its balance. It's time for WWE to recognize this and make the necessary changes to create a more engaging and sustainable product. This is not just a personal opinion; it's a call to action for the company to embrace the OVW model and create a more dynamic and engaging show for the fans.
