WWE historically operated with a highly centralized and tightly controlled booking strategy under Vince McMahon. However, the creative environment has changed notably. As Chief Content Officer, Triple H oversees all aspects of WWE's creative direction. This change in leadership has reshaped the company's approach to storytelling, character development, and match presentation. Wrestlers' creative input has contributed to more compelling shows, drawing from their own experiences and perspectives. Under Triple H's leadership, WWE wrestlers now have freedom that they previously did not have. An example of increased wrestler input under Triple H is Damage CTRL. After Bayley and WWE's Creative Writing Team pitched the idea of the faction, it was turned down more than once. After Triple H gained full creative control, the faction made its debut at SummerSlam 2022.
WWE's booking has traditionally prioritized spectacle and entertainment value. Big moments, shocking surprises, and larger-than-life personas are things that WWE is known for. Storylines tend to be long-term, unfolding over weeks or even months, with a focus on building anticipation for Premium Live Events. While in-ring work is important, character development and storyline progression are also major focuses.
One of the strengths of WWE's booking strategy is its ability to create mainstream stars. The company has a proven track record of identifying and developing talent, turning them into household names that became bigger than WWE itself. However, the previously top-down approach, with centralized creative control, possibly suppressed creativity in a way. Now, the challenge lies in maintaining consistency and a clear creative vision across the large and complex WWE machine. The increased collaboration and input from more creative voices under Triple H are expected to make achieving this consistency more manageable, with multiple perspectives helping to identify any inconsistencies or plot holes in storylines that might occur.
AEW has always emphasized creative freedom, allowing wrestlers input into their characters and how they are used, embracing a collaborative and decentralized booking strategy. While Tony Khan is the ultimate authority, he works closely with the wrestlers, allowing them input into their storylines and character development. AEW (as well as WWE now) is willing to work alongside wrestlers to create mutually beneficial shows. This collaborative environment encourages creativity and gives wrestlers a noteworthy sense of ownership over their work. Wrestlers' creative input has contributed to more compelling shows, drawing from their own experiences and perspectives as they showcase their individual personalities and in-ring abilities. If a wrestler has input on the development of their character and is motivated to pitch ideas regarding upcoming matches, their morale is increased, and it is reflected in how they perform, making the show more enjoyable for fans.
AEW's booking often prioritizes in-ring work and athleticism. The promotion showcases a diverse range of wrestling styles, from high-flying artistry to demonstrations of technical skills. While storylines are a part of AEW, the company often places a stronger emphasis on showcasing the individual journeys and in-ring capabilities of its wrestlers.
One of the strengths of AEW's booking strategy is that it utilizes an understanding of fan desires, which has enabled the company to grow a loyal and passionate fan base that contributes to the electric atmosphere at their shows, creating a vibrant and energetic live event atmosphere. Meanwhile, AEW's challenge lies in allowing wrestlers to pursue their own narratives while also maintaining consistency in storytelling. Although it can be done, it is much more difficult than there being a single, unifying vision.
The contrasting booking strategies of WWE and AEW reflect two distinctive philosophies about professional wrestling. WWE concentrates on creating a highly polished and entertaining product, still prioritizing spectacle and mainstream appeal even with its changed creative structure, appealing to a broad audience, die-hard and casual wrestling fans alike. AEW, on the other hand, puts more attention on in-ring work and showcasing a variety of wrestling styles, appealing to die-hard wrestling fans.
In the end, both approaches have their strengths and weaknesses. WWE's style equipped the company to become a dominant force in sports entertainment with unparalleled mainstream success, while AEW's style led to explosive growth as it established itself as an alternative to WWE in its strive to reach the top. The ongoing dynamic between these two companies is driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of professional wrestling, both in the ring and behind the curtain.
To read more about the similarities and differences in WWE and AEW's strategies, as well as how both companies interact with the worlds of ticket sales, merchandise branding, TV rights, streaming, talent relations, technology, and more, check out my ebook, "The Business Side of Wrestling: A Look Behind the Curtain".
No comments:
Post a Comment