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The Art of Storytelling According to the WWE

When it comes to storytelling, the WWE has become a master at it.

By Lawrence LeasePublished about a year ago 6 min read
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The Art of Storytelling According to the WWE
Photo by Martin Kníže on Unsplash

Storytelling is an essential aspect of professional wrestling, and no organization has mastered it quite like the WWE. From the iconic storylines of the Attitude Era to the present-day narratives that captivate audiences worldwide, the WWE has consistently demonstrated a mastery of the art of storytelling in its programming.

In this blog post, we will delve into the elements of storytelling that make the WWE's product so compelling. We will examine how the company uses character development, plot twists, and other narrative techniques to keep fans engaged and invested in their favorite wrestlers and storylines.

Character Development

At the heart of every great story is character development. The WWE recognizes this and puts a tremendous emphasis on building compelling characters that fans can root for (or against). This involves more than just designing flashy ring gear or giving wrestlers cool nicknames. The WWE goes much deeper, creating complex personas that are both relatable and larger-than-life.

One of the best examples of this is Stone Cold Steve Austin. Austin was a beer-drinking, middle-finger-flipping rebel who embodied the anti-authority spirit of the late 1990s. Fans loved him because he represented a rebellious streak that many of them could relate to. Austin's character was so well-crafted that he became the face of the Attitude Era and one of the biggest stars in WWE history.

Another great example is The Rock. Like Austin, The Rock's character was larger-than-life, but in a different way. He was charismatic, witty, and had an ego the size of a small planet. Fans loved The Rock because he was a charismatic performer who could make them laugh, but also because he was a dominant athlete who could back up his talk in the ring.

The WWE's current roster is full of similarly well-crafted characters. For example, Roman Reigns is a heel (or villain) who has been developed in a way that makes fans love to hate him. He is the head of a stable called The Bloodline, and he has used his family ties to dominate the SmackDown roster. Reigns' character is so well-developed that even though he is a villain, fans cannot help but be invested in his storyline.

Similarly, Becky Lynch's character development is another excellent example. Lynch went from being an underutilized wrestler to one of the biggest stars in the company after a heel turn in 2018. She became known as "The Man," a confident and cocky persona that resonated with fans. Lynch's character development was so compelling that she became the first woman to headline a WrestleMania event.

The WWE's ability to create such well-rounded characters is a significant reason why their storytelling is so effective. Fans become invested in the characters' stories, which makes it all the more impactful when those stories take surprising turns.

Plot Twists

One of the most crucial elements of storytelling is the plot twist. The WWE is a master at this, and their ability to keep fans guessing is a big reason why their programming is so popular.

One of the most famous plot twists in WWE history was the Montreal Screwjob. In 1997, Bret "The Hitman" Hart was set to leave the WWE for rival promotion WCW. However, he was the WWE Champion at the time, and the company did not want him to leave with the title. So, in a controversial move, the WWE had referee Earl Hebner ring the bell, declaring Shawn Michaels the winner of the match even though Hart had not submitted. The incident sparked outrage among fans and became one of the most talked-about moments in WWE history.

Another example of a plot twist was the "who ran over Stone Cold" storyline. In 1999, Stone Cold Steve Austin was hit by a car in the parking lot of the arena. The identity of the culprit was kept a mystery, and fans were left guessing who was responsible. The storyline culminated in a reveal on an episode of Monday Night Raw, where it was revealed that Rikishi was the one who had run over Austin. The reveal was shocking and unexpected, and it kept fans engaged throughout the entire storyline.

The WWE continues to use plot twists to keep fans invested in their storylines. In 2020, Roman Reigns shocked the wrestling world when he returned at SummerSlam and aligned himself with Paul Heyman, turning heel for the first time in his career. The move was unexpected and breathed new life into Reigns' character, making him one of the most compelling figures in the company.

The WWE also uses cliffhangers to keep fans guessing. For example, the storyline between Seth Rollins and Rey Mysterio in 2020 saw Rollins repeatedly attack Mysterio and his son Dominik. The storyline culminated in an "eye for an eye" match, where the first wrestler to extract their opponent's eye would be declared the winner. The match ended with Rollins seemingly gouging out Mysterio's eye, but the broadcast ended before the result was confirmed. The cliffhanger kept fans guessing until the next episode of Monday Night Raw, where it was revealed that Mysterio had not lost his eye.

The WWE's ability to craft compelling storylines with unexpected twists and cliffhangers is a significant reason why their product is so successful. Fans are constantly guessing and speculating about what will happen next, which keeps them engaged and invested in the product.

Long-Term Planning

Another key element of the WWE's storytelling is long-term planning. The company is known for creating storylines that stretch out over months or even years, with carefully crafted character arcs and plot developments.

One example of this is the storyline between Daniel Bryan and The Authority. In 2013, Bryan was one of the most popular wrestlers in the company, but he was repeatedly denied championship opportunities by The Authority (a stable of heel wrestlers and authority figures). The storyline culminated in a match at WrestleMania XXX, where Bryan defeated Triple H, Randy Orton, and Batista in the same night to become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. The storyline stretched out over several months and was one of the most compelling storylines of the era.

Another example of long-term planning is the storyline between The Undertaker and Brock Lesnar. The two wrestlers faced off at WrestleMania XXX, with The Undertaker's undefeated streak on the line. Lesnar defeated The Undertaker, ending the streak and shocking the wrestling world. The storyline stretched out over several years, with Lesnar being built up as a dominant force in the company before finally defeating The Undertaker.

The WWE's ability to plan and execute long-term storylines is a significant reason why their storytelling is so effective. Fans become invested in the characters and their stories, which makes it all the more impactful when those stories reach their climax.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the art of storytelling is a crucial aspect of professional wrestling, and the WWE is a master at it. The company's ability to craft compelling characters, create unexpected plot twists, and plan long-term storylines has kept fans engaged and invested in their product for decades. From the iconic storylines of the Attitude Era to the present-day narratives that captivate audiences worldwide, the WWE's storytelling is a significant reason why their product is so successful. As the company continues to evolve and adapt to new challenges and opportunities, it is clear that their mastery of the art of storytelling will continue to be a driving force behind their success.

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About the Creator

Lawrence Lease

Alaska born and bred, Washington DC is my home. I'm also a freelance writer. Love politics and history.

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  • Michele Hardyabout a year ago

    This is a really cool take of looking at how different kinds of entertainment can teach us about storytelling and construction. Great share!

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